/i-£ 


I  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY,  | 
Princeton,  N.  J.  .^     % 


1 


1^'^- 


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BV  3770  .N234  1842 

Narratives  of  revivals  of 
religion  in  Scotland, 


J 


/  • 


NARRATIVES 


REVIVALS  OF  RELIGION 


SCOTLAND,  IRELAND,  AND   WALES. 


PHILADELPHIA: 
PRESBYTERIAN  BOARD  OF  PUBLICATION. 

PAUL  T.  JONES,  PDBLISHINO  AGENT. 

1842. 


Printed  by 

WILLIAM   S.   MARTIEN. 


1^ 
CONllN'ts. 


PART  I. 

Page 

Cambuslang,  1742 5 


PART  II. 
Kilsyth,  1742-3 22 

PART  III. 
Baldernock,  Kirkintilloch,  &,c.,  1742-3 39 

PART  IV. 
Stewarton,  1625;  Shotts,  1630 56 

PART  V. 
Island  of  Arran,  1804,  1812-13 74 

PART  VI. 
Moulin,  1798-1800 85 

PART  VII. 
Ulster,  1623-1641 102 


4  CONTENTS.       * 

Page 

PART  VIII. 
Island  of  Lewis,  1824-1835 122 

PART  IX. 
Wales,  1640-1794 139 

PART  X. 
Skye,  1812-14 159 

PART  XL 
Kilsyth,  1839 185 


NARRATIVES^-&C 


PARTL-.^niSOLOGI 

CAMBUSLANG,  1742.  ^•^'•W^rh^ 

Every  Christian  is  aware  of  the  descent  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  on  the  day  of  Pentecost,  and  the 
amazing  success  which  accompanied  the  preaching 
of  the  gospel  immediately  thereafter;  but  very 
many  are  ignorant  that  God  has  since,  from  time 
to  time,  refreshed  his  heritage,  and  extended  the 
kingdom  of  his  Son,  in  a  manner  almost  equally 
remarkable.  This  ignorance  induces  a  belief  that 
Zion  is  to  be  enlarged  only  in  the  silent  and  gra- 
dual manner  of  our  own  day :  and  it  is  to  be  feared 
that  Christians,  in  pleading  for  the  outpouring  of 
the  Holy  Ghost,  have  so  litde  expectation  of  ob- 
taining their  request,  that  they  would  be  astonished 
beyond  measure  were  their  prayers  answered. 
They  pray  for  the  outpouring  of  the  Spirit  because 
the  word  of  God  teaches  them  to  do  so,  and  yet 
they  are  hopeless  of  succeeding  in  their  suit,  al- 
though the  same  word  engages  that  the  prayer  of 
faith  shall  not  be  in  vain.  The  inconsistency  is 
striking,  and  it  is  melancholy ;  for  so  long  as  it 
obtains,  we  cannot  look  for  those  displays  of  Divine 
power  in  the  conversion  of  sinners,  which  we 
2 


6  BEVIVALS   OP   RELIGION 

might  otherwise  warrantably  anticipate.  As  a 
means  of  leading  to  a  better  state  of  mind,  it  is 
well  to  be  acquainted  with  what  God  has  already 
done  in  answer  to  prayer ;  and  that  we  may  the 
more  readily  expect  the  fulfilment  of  what  he  has 
engaged  yet  to  do,  the  following  narrative  has  been 
drawn  up.  The  work  of  which  it  treats  attracted 
the  attention  and  greatly  rejoiced  the  hearts  of 
Christians  at  the  time,  and  it  may,  through  the  di- 
vine blessing,  encourage  the  hopes  and  stimulate 
the  prayers  of  Christians  at  the  present  day. 

Cambuslang  is  a  parish  about  four  miles  south- 
east of  Glasgow,  and  at  the  time  of  this  revival, 
was  under  the  pastoral  care  of  Mr.  McCuUoch, 
a  man  of  decided  piety  and  anxiously  desirous  of 
the  spiritual  welfare  of  his  people.  In  his  ordinary 
course  of  sermons  for  nearly  a  year  before  the 
work  began,  he  had  been  preaching  on  those  sub- 
jects which  tend  most  directly  to  explain  the  nature 
and  prove  the  necessity  of  regeneration;  and  for 
for  some  months  before  the  remarkable  events  now 
about  to  be  mentioned,  a  more  than  ordinary  con- 
cern about  religion  appeared  among  his  flock ;  as 
an  evidence  of  which,  a  petition  was  given  in  to 
him,  subscribed  by  about  ninety  heads  of  families, 
desiring  a  weekly  lecture,  which  was  readily  grant- 
ed. This  was  in  the  beginning  of  February  1742. 
On  the  15th  of  that  month,  the  different  prayer 
meetings  in  the  parish  assembled  at  his  house,  and 
next  day  they  again  met  for  solemn  prayer,  relative 
to  the  interests  of  the  gospel.  Although  this  se- 
cond meeting  M'^as  of  a  more  private  description, 
others  getting  notice  of  it,  desired  to  join,  and  were 
admitted :  and  on  the  day  following  they  met  a 
third  time  for  the  same  purpose.  At  this  period, 
though  several  persons  had  come  to  the  minister 
under  deep  concern  about  their  salvation,  there  had 


CAMBUSLANG. 


been  no  great  number;  but  on  Thursday  the  18th, 
after  sermon,  about  fifty  came  to  him  under  alarm- 
ing apprehensions  about  the  state  of  their  souls; 
and  such  was  their  anxiety,  that  he  had  to  pass  the 
night  in  conversing  with  them. 

After  thi#^e  desire  of  the  people  for  religious 
instruction  was  so  great,  that  Mr.  McCulloch  found 
himself  obliged  to  provide  them  a  sermon  almost 
daily;  and  after  sermon,  he  had  generally  to  spend 
some  time  with  them  in  exhortation  and  prayer ; 
and  the  blessing  of  God  on  these  ordinances  was 
so  great,  that  by  the  beginning  of  May,  the  num- 
ber of  persons  awakened  to  a  deep  concern  about 
salvation  exceeded  three  hundred. 

About  this  time,  (June,  1742,)  Mr.  Whitefield 
revisited  Scotland,  and  in  consequence  of  earnest 
invitations,  he  came  to  the  west  country,  and  to 
Cambuslang  amongst  other  places,  where,  with  his 
customary  zeal,  he  preached  three  times  on  the 
very  day  of  his  arrival,  to  a  vast  body  of  people, 
although  he  had  preached  the  same  morning  at 
Glasgow.  The  last  of  these  exercises  began  at 
nine  in  the  evening,  and  continued  till  eleven;  and 
such  was  the  relish  for  the  word  of  life,  that  Mr. 
McCulloch  preached  after  him  till  past  one  in  the 
morning,  and  even  then  the  people  could  hardly 
be  persuaded  to  depart.  All  night,  in  the  fields, 
the  voice  of  prayer  and  praise  was  to  be  heard. 

The  sacrament  of  the  supper  was  dispensed  on 
the  11th  of  July,  and  the  solemnity  was  so  remark- 
ably blessed  that  it  was  speedily  repeated.  The 
following  extract  of  a  letter  written  by  Mr.  McCul- 
loch, giving  an  account  of  the  proceedings  at  this 
period,  will  be  read  with  interest: — 

"  The  dispensation  of  the  sacrament  was  such  a 
sweet  and  agreeable  time  to  many,  that  a  motion 


8 


REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 


was  made  by  Mr.  Webster,  and  immediately  se- 
conded by  Mr.  Whitefield,  that  we  should  have 
another  such  occasion  in  this  place  very  soon.  The 
motion  ^^s  very  agreeable  to  me,  but  I  thought  it 
needful  to  deliberate  before  coming  to  a  resolution. 
The  thing  proposed  was  extraordinajf,  but  so  had 
the  work  been  for  several  month^  Care  was 
therefore  taken  to  acquaint  the  several  meetings  for 
prayer,  who  relished  the  motion  well,  and  prayed 
for  direction  to  those  concerned  to  determine  this 
matter.  The  session  met  next  Lord's  day,  and 
taking  into  consideration  the  Divine  command  to 
celebrate  the  ordinance  often,  joined  with  the  ex- 
traordinary work  that  had  been  here  for  some  time 
past;  and  understanding  that  many  who  had  met 
with  much  benefit  to  their  souls  at  the  last  solemni- 
ty, had  expressed  an  earnest  desire  of  seeing  an- 
other in  this  place  shortly  ;  and  hearing  that  there 
were  many  who  intended  to  have  joined  at  the  last 
occasion,  but  were  kept  back  through  inward  dis- 
couragements, or  outward  obstructions,  and  were 
wishing  soon  to  see  another  opportunity  of  that 
kind  here,  to  which  they  might  have  access ; — it 
was  therefore  resolved,  God  willing,  that  the  sacra- 
ment of  the  Lord's  Supper  should  be  again  dis- 
pensed in  this  parish,  on  the  third  Sabbath  of  Au- 
gust: and  there  was  first  one  day,  and  then  another, 
appointed  for  a  general  meeting  of  the  several  so- 
cieties for  prayer  in  the  parish,  at  the  manse;  but 
as  the  manse  could  not  conveniently  hold  them, 
they  went  to  the  church,  and  when  light  failed 
them  there,  a  good  many,  of  their  own  free  motion, 
returned  to  the  manse,  and  continued  at  prayer  and 
praise  till  about  one  o'clock  next  morning.  One 
design  of  these  meetings  was,  to  ask  that  the  Lord 
would  continue  and  increase  the  blessed  work  of 


CAMBUSLANG.  \f 

conviction  and  conversion,  and  eminently  counte- 
nance the  dispensing  of  the  holy  sacrament  of  the 
supper  a  second  time  in  this  place,  and  thereby 
make  the  glory  of  this  latter  solemnity  to  exceed 
that  of  the  former. 

*'  This  second  sacrament  did,  indeed,  much  ex- 
cel the  former,  not  only  in  the  number  of  minis- 
ters, people,  and  communicants,  but,  which  is 
the  main  thing,  in  a  much  greater  measure  of  the 
power  and  special  presence  of  God,  in  the  observa- 
tion and  experience  of  multitudes  who  were  at- 
tending. 

"  The  ministers  who  assisted  at  this  solemnity, 
were  Mr.  Whitefield,  Mr.  Webster  from  Edinburgh, 
Mr.  McLaurin  and  Mr.  Gillies  from  Glasgow,  Mr. 
Robe  from  Kilsyth,  Mr.  Currie  from  Kinglassie, 
Mr.  McKnight  from  Irvine,  Mr.  Bonner  from  Tor- 
phichen,  Mr.  Hamilton  from  Douglas,  Mr.  Hen- 
derson from  Blantyre,  Mr.  Maxwell  from  Rutlier- 
glen,  and  Mr.  Adam  from  Cathcart.  All  of  them 
appeared  to  be  very  much  assisted  in  their  work. 
Four  of  them  preached  on  the  fast  day;  four  on 
Saturday  ;  on  Sabbath  I  cannot  well  tell  how  many; 
and  five  on  Monday;  on  which  last  day  it  was 
computed  that  above  twenty-four  ministers  and 
preachers  were  present.  Old  Mr.  Bonner,  though 
so  frail  that  he  took  three  days  to  ride  eighteen 
miles  from  Torphichen  to  Cambuslang,  was  so  set 
upon  coming  here,  that  he  could  by  no  means  stay 
away ;  and  when  he  was  helped  up  to  the  tent, 
preached  three  times  with  great  life  ;  and  returned 
with  much  satisfaction  and  joy.  Mr.  Whiiefield's 
sermons  on  Saturday  and  Sabbath  were  attended 
with  much  power,  particularly  on  Sabbath  night 
about  ten,  and  that  on  Monday,  several  crying  out, 
and  a  very  great  but  devout  weeping  and  mourning 


10  REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 

was  observable  through  the  auditory.  On  Sabbath 
evening-,  while  he  was  serving  some  tables,  he  ap- 
peared to  be  so  filled  with  the  love  of  God,  as  to 
be  in  a  kind  of  ecstacy  or  transport,  and  commu- 
nicated with  much  of  that  blessed  frame. 

"  The  number  of  people  that  were  there  on 
Saturday  and  jNIonday  was  very  considerable  :  but 
the  number  present,  at  the  three  tents,  on  the  Lord's 
day,  was  so  great,  that,  so  far  as  I  can  hear,  none 
ever  saw  the  like  since  the  Revolution  in  Scotland; 
nor  even  any  where  else,  at  any  sacrament  occa- 
sion: some  have  called  them  fifty  thousand — some 
forty  thousand.  The  lowest  estimate  I  hear  of, 
with  which  Mr.  Whitefield  agrees,  who  has  been 
much  used  to  great  multitudes,  makes  them  to  have 
been  upwards  of  thirty  thousand. 

"  The  number  of  communicants  appears  to  have 
been  about  three  thousand.  The  tables  were  doubled, 
and  the  double  table  was  reckoned  to  contain  one 
hundred  and  fourteen,  one  hundred  and  sixteen,  or 
one  hundred  and  twenty  communicants.  The  num- 
ber of  tables  I  reckoned  had  been  about  twenty-four, 
but  I  have  been  since  informed,  that  a  man  who 
sat  near  the  tables,  and  kept  a  pen  in  his  hand,  and 
carefully  marked  each  service,  said  that  there  twen- 
ty-five double  tables,  the  last  wanting  only  five  or 
six  sitters  to  fill  it  up.  And  this  account  seems  the 
most  probable,  as  agreeing  nearly  with  the  number 
of  tokens  distributed,  which  was  about  three  thou- 
sand. And  some  worthy  of  credit,  and  that  had 
proper  opportunities  to  know,  gave  it  as  their  opin- 
ion, that  there  was  such  a  blessed  frame  upon  the 
people,  that  if  there  had  been  access  to  tokens, 
there  would  have  been  a  thousand  more  commu- 
nicants. 

"  This  vast  concourse  of  people,  you  may  easily 


CAMBUSLANG.  11 

imagine,  came  not  only  from  the  city  of  Glasgow 
and  other  places  near  by,  but  from  many  places  at 
a  considerable  distance.  It  was  reckoned  there 
were  two  hundred  communicants  from  Edinburgh, 
two  hundred  from  Kilmarnock,  one  hundred  from 
Irvine,  and  one  hundred  from  Stewarton.  It  was 
observed  that  there  were  some  from  England  and 
Ireland  at  this  occasion ;  a  considerable  number  of 
Quakers  were  hearers,  and  some  that  had  formerly 
been  Seceders  were  communicants. 

"  There  was  a  great  deal  of  outward  decency  and 
regularity  about  the  tables.  Public  worsliip  began 
on  the  Lord's  day  just  at  half-past  eight  in  the 
morning.  My  action  sermon,  I  think,  was  reason- 
ably short.  The  third  or  fourth  table  was  a-serv- 
ing  at  twelve  o'clcok,  and  the  last  table  about  sun- 
set. When  that  was  done,  the  work  was  closed 
with  a  few  words  of  exhortation,  prayer,  and  praise, 
the  precentor  having  so  much  daylight  as  to  let 
him  read  four  lines  of  a  psalm.  The  passes  to 
and  from  the  tables  were,  with  great  care  kept  clear 
for  the  communicants.  The  tables  filled  so  quickly, 
that  often  there  was  no  more  time  between  one 
table  and  another,  than  to  sing  four  lines  of  a  psalm. 
The  tables  were  all  served  in  the  open  air,  beside 
the  tent  below  the  brae ;  the  day  was  temperate ;  no 
rain  nor  wind  in  the  least  to  disturb.  Several  per- 
sons of  considerable  rank  and  distinction,  who  were 
elders,  most  cheerfully  assisted  our  elders  in  serv- 
ing tables ;  such  as  the  honourable  Charles  Ers- 
kine  Bruce  of  Kennet,  Gillon  of  Wallhouse,  and 
others. 

"But  what  was  most  remarkable,  was  the  spi- 
ritual glory  of  this  solemnity  ;  I  mean  the  gracious 
and  sensible  presence  of  God.  Not  a  few  were 
awakened  to  a  sense  of  sin,  and  their  lost  and  per- 


12  REVIVALS     OF    RELIGION. 

ishing  condition  without  a  Saviour.  Others  had 
their  bands  loosed,  and  were  brought  into  the 
glorious  liberty  of  the  sons  of  God.  Many  of  God's 
dear  children  have  declared,  that  it  was  a  happy 
time  to  their  souls,  wherein  they  were  abundantly 
satisfied  with  the  goodness  of  God  in  his  ordi- 
nances, and  filled  with  joy  and  peace  in  believing. 
I  have  seen  a  letter  from  Edinburgh,  the  writer  of 
which  says,  that  having  talked  with  many  Chris- 
tians from  that  city,  who  had  been  here  at  this 
sacrament,  they  all  owned  that  God  had  dealt 
bountifully  with  their  souls.  Some  declared  that 
they  would  not  for  the  world  have  been  absent 
from  this  solemnity.  Others  cried  out,  '  Now  let 
thy  servants  depart  in  peace  from  this  place,  since 
our  eyes  have  seen  thy  salvation  here.'  Others 
wishing,  if  it  were  the  will  of  God,  to  die  where 
they  were,  attending  God  in  his  ordinances,  with- 
out returning  to  the  world  or  their  friends,  that  they 
might  be  with  Christ  in  heaven,  as  that  which  is 
incomparably  best  of  all." 

Such  is  the  substance  of  Mr.  McCulloch's  ac- 
count of  this  remarkable  period ;  and  as  Mr.  AVhite- 
field  was  frequently  at  Cambuslang  about  this  time, 
the  following  observations,  given  nearly  in  his  own 
words,  will  be  interesting.  "  Persons  from  all 
parts  flocked  to  see,  and  many  from  many  parts 
went  home  convinced  and  converted  unto  God.  A 
brae,  or  hill,  near  the  manse  at  Cambuslang,  seemed 
to  be  formed  by  Providence  for  containing  a  large 
congregation.  People  sat  unwearied  till  two  in  the 
morning  to  hear  sermons,  disregarding  the  weather. 
You  could  scarce  walk  a  yard  but  you  roust  tread 
upon  some,  either  rejoicing  in  God  for  mercies  re- 
ceived, or  crying  out  for  more.  Thousands  and 
thousands  have  I  seen,  before  it  was  possible  to  catch 


CAMBUSLANG. 


13 


it  by  symphalhy,  melled  down  under  the  word  and 
power  of  God.  At  the  celebration  of  the  holy 
communion,  their  joy  was  so  great,  that,  at  the  de- 
sire of  many,  both  ministers  and  people,  in  imita- 
tion of  Hezekiah's  passover,  they  had,  a  month  or 
two  afterwards,  a  second,  which  was  a  general 
rendezvous  for  the  people  of  God.  The  commu- 
nion-table was  in  the  field;  three  tents  at  proper 
distances,  all  surrounded  by  a  multitude  of  hearers; 
above  twenty  ministers  (among  whom  was  good 
old  Mr.  Bonner)  attending  to  preach  and  assist, 
all  enlivening  and  enlivened  by  one  another." 

Amongst  the  multitudes  that  flocked  to  Cambus- 
lang  at  this  interesting  period,  there  were  persons 
who  went  with  a  design  to  find  matter  of  diversion ; 
and  while  the  bands  of  such  mockers  were,  no 
doubt,  generally  made  stronger,  others  were  made 
happy  monuments  of  Divine  grace.  .  The  case  of 
two  young  men  may  be  mentioned,  as  affording  a 
striking  example  of  sovereign  mercy.  They  were 
very  profane,  and  had  gone  over  to  be  amused  with 
"  the  falling"  at  Cambuslang,  as  they  jestingly 
termed  it;  but  in  place  of  being  amused,  they  were 
both  impressed  the  same  day;  and  so  deep  were 
their  convictions,  that  they  were  glad  to  get  into  a 
stable  hard  by,  for  the  purpose  of  supplicating  that 
grace  which  they  had  hitherto  despised,  and  their 
subsequent  conduct  afforded  reason  to  conclude, 
that  the  word  they  had  that  day  heard  had  proved 
the  savour  of  life  to  their  souls. 

As  to  what  these  young  men  termed  "  the  fall- 
ing," it  was  a  way  of  speaking  among  scofTers  at 
the  time,  occasioned  by  the  bodily  distress  which, 
in  many  instances,  accompanied  conviction.  The 
work  was  much  objected  to  in  consequence;  but 
when  the  intimate  connexion  of  soul  and  body  is 


14  REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 

considered,  it  will  not  appear  surprising  that  great 
outward  agitation  should  mark  the  emotions  of  a 
soul  fully  awakened  to  the  dread  realities  of  judg- 
ment and  eternity.  The  loss  of  a  dear  relative, 
and  many  of  the  other  painful  vicissitudes  of  life, 
when  suddenly  forced  upon  the  mind,  affect  the 
bodily  constitution  so  powerfully  as,  in  some  in- 
stances, to  occasion  even  death.  And  if  such  is 
sometimes  the  effect  of  things  merely  temporal, 
need  we  wonder  that  a  vivid  sense  of  the  sinner's 
situation  out  of  Christ,  with  nothing  but  the  britde 
thread  of  life  between  him  and  everlasting  destruc- 
tion, should  overpower  the  body?  The  wonder 
rather  is,  that  the  preaching  of  the  solemn  truths  of 
God's  word  is  so  rarely  followed  by  such  conse- 
quences ;  and  we  can  account  for  this  only  by  sup- 
posing, that  the  Spirit  of  God  does  not  make  the 
sinner  at  once  alive  to  all  the  terrors  of  his  condi- 
tion. With  regard  to  the  revival  at  Cambuslang, 
the  greater  number  of  the  subjects  of  it  vv-ere  not 
observably  under  bodily  distress,  and  as  for  those 
who  were,  their  lives  proved  that  ithey  had  been 
made  partakers  of  Divine  grace :  which  is  a  proof 
that  such  agitation  is,  at  least,  not  inconsistent  with 
a  work  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

The  narrative  now  given  has  been  fully  attested 
by  the  most  able  and  pious  ministers  of  the  time, 
and  their  attestations  might  be  transcribed  here  did 
space  permit.  Amongst  others  who  have  borne 
testimony  to  this  glorious  display  of  Divine  power, 
are  Mr.  McLaurin,  of  the  Northwest  Church  of 
Glasgow,  (now  St.  David's)  well  known  by  his 
remarkable  sermon  on  the  Cross  of  Christ;  Mr. 
Hamilton,  of  the  Barony  Parish;  Mr.  Hamilton, 
ofBothwell;  Mr.  Hamilton,  of  Douglas  ;  and  Mr. 
Connell,  of  Kilbride.     Mr.  Willison,  of  Dundee, 


CAMBUSLAN6. 


15 


also,  has  recorded  his  opinion,  and  the  following 
extract  shows  what  were  his  sentiments  : — "  See- 
ing some  are  desirous  to  know  my  thoughts  of  the 
work  at  Cambuslang,  I  am  willing  to  own  that  I 
have  travelled  a  good  way  to  inquire  and  get  satis- 
faction about  it.  And  having  resided  several  days 
in  Mr.  McCulloch's  house,  I  had  occasion  to  con- 
verse with  many  who  had  been  awakened  and 
under  convictions  there ;  I  found  severals  in  dark- 
ness and  great  distress  about  their  souls'  condition, 
and  with  many  tears  bewailing  their  sins  and' 
original  corruption,  and  especially  the  sin  of  un- 
belief, and  slighting  of  precious  Christ.  Others  I 
found  in  a  most  desirable  frame,  overcome  with  a 
sense  of  the  wonderful  love  and  loveliness  of  Jesus 
Christ,  even  sick  of  love,  and  jnviting  all  about 
them  to  help  them  to  praise  him.  I  spoke  also 
with  many  who  had  got  relief  from  their  soul 
trouble,  and  in  whom  the  gracious  work  of  the 
Spirit  of  God  appeared  in  the  fruiis  and  effects  of 
it,  according  to  my  apprehension;  such  as  their 
ingenuous  confessing  of  their  former  evil  ways, 
and  professing  a  hatred  to  sin;  very  low  and  abas- 
ing thoughts  of  themselves ;  renouncing  the  vani- 
ties of  the  world,  and  all  their  own  doings  and 
righteousness,  and  relying  wholly  upon  Christ  for 
righteousness  and  strength;  and  expressing  great 
love  to  Christ,  to  the  Bible,  to  secret  prayer,  to  the 
people  of  God,  and  to  his  image,  in  whomsoever 
it  was,  without  respect  of  persons  or  parties  ;  and 
also  love  to  their  enemies.  I  conversed  with  some 
who  had  been  very  wicked  and  scandalous,  but 
now  wonderfully  changed  ;  though  some  were  rude 
and  boisterous  before,  they  now  had  the  meekness 
and  mildness  of  the  lamb  about  them,  and  though 
I  conversed  with  a  great  number,  both  men  and 


16  REVIVALS     OF    RELIGION. 

women,  old  and  young,  I  could  observe  nothing 
visionary  or  enthusiastic  about  them,  for  their  dis- 
courses were  solid,  and  experiences  scriptural;  I 
had  heard  much  of  this  surprising  work  by  letters, 
and  by  eye-witnesses,  before  I  came,  but  all  that 
made  slight  impressions  on  me  when  compared 
with  what  I  was  eye  and  ear-witness  to  myself. 
Upon  the  whole,  I  look  upon  the  work  at  Cara- 
buslang,  to  be  a  most  singular  and  marvellous  out- 
pouring of  the  Holy  Spirit,  which  Christ  hath 
promised ;  and  I  pray  it  may  be  a  happy  forerun- 
ner of  a  general  reviving  of  the  work  of  God  in  this 
poor  decayed  Church,  and  a  blessed  means  of  union 
among  all  the  lovers  of  our  dear  Jesus." 

We  have  likewise  the  testimony  of  Mr.  McCul- 
loch  himself,  who,  in  a  letter  written  about  nine 
years  after  the  revival,  and  when  ample  time  had 
been  afforded  to  test  the  sincerity  of  the  professions 
then  made,  writes  nearly  as  follows: — "  Setting 
aside  all  those  that  appeared  under  awakenings 
here  in  1742,  who  have  since  remarkably  back- 
slidden, there  is  a  considerable  number  of  the  then 
awakened  that  appear  to  bring  forth  good  fruits.  I 
do  not  talk  of  them  at  random,  nor  speak  of  their 
number  in  a  loose,  general,  and  confused  way,  but 
have  now  before  me,  at  the  writing  of  this,  April 
27th,  1751,  a  list  of  about  four  hundred  persons 
awakened  here,  at  Cambuslang,  in  1742,  who  from 
that  time  to  the  time  of  their  death,  or  to  this,  that 
is,  for  these  nine  years  past,  have  been  all  enabled 
to  behave,  in  a  good  measure,  as  becometh  the 
gospel,  by  any  thing  I  could  ever  s6e,  and  by  the 
best  information  I  could  get  concerning  them." 
While  this  letter  furnishes  such  satisfactory  evi- 
dence of  the  reality  of  the  work,  the  following 
paragraph,  from  the  sarne  communication,  affords 


CAMBUSLANG.  17 

a  beautiful  proof  of  the  humility  of  him  who  was 
a  main  instrument  in  promoting  it.  "  When  I 
mention  such  comfortable  abiding  effects  of  this 
work,  I  would  not  have  it  ascribed  to  any  creature, 
but  that  the  entire  glory  of  it  should  be  given  to 
God,  whose  work  it  was.  It  is  true,  there  were 
many  ministers  here,  from  places  near  and  more 
remote;  and  some  of  them  men  of  great  eminence, 
w^ho  preached  here  at  my  desire,  and  who  also 
joined  with  me  in  exhortation  to  souls  appearing 
in  spiritual  distress,  who  resorted  to  the  manse. 
But  what  could  all  these  avail  without  the  Divine 
power  and  blessing]  Whoever  plant  and  water, 
it  is  God  that  gives  the  increase.  Ministers  are 
but  instruments  in  his  hands.  No  praise  was  due 
to  the  rams'  horns,  though  Jericho's  walls  fell 
down  at  their  blast:  if  God  will  vouchsafe  that 
his  word  shall  breathe  through  ministers,  it  is  God, 
and  not  the  means,  must  have  the  praise.  It  is 
very  fit  and  reasonable  that  he  that  builds  the  tem- 
ple should  bear  the  glory:  and  Christ  is  both  the 
foundation  and  founder  of  the  Church,  and  there- 
fore let  all  the  glory  be  ascribed  to  him." 

The  period  which  elapsed  between  1740  and 
1750,  forms  an  important  era  in  the  religious  his- 
tory, not  of  the  little  village  of  Cambuslang  only, 
but  it  may  almost  be  said  of  Scotland,  as  revivals 
were  then  very  general.  During  these  ten  years  a 
great  multitude  of  souls  were  added  to  the  Church; 
and  it  is  important  to  remark,  that  a  spirit  of  prayer 
was  extensively  prevalent.  In  illustration  of  this, 
the  substance  of  a  letter,  written  at  Edinburgh  in 
1743,  by  Mr.  George  Muir,  afterwards  one  of  the 
ministers  of  Paisley,  may  be  quoted: 

"  The  praying  societies  in  this  place  are,  as  near 
as  we  can  guess,  between  twenty-four  and  thirty; 


18  REVIVALS   OF   KELIGION. 

some  of  which  will  be  obliged  to  divide,  by  reason 
of  too  many  meeting  together,  which  will  increase 
the  number.  Amongst  them  are  several  meetings 
of  boys  and  girls,  who,  in  general,  seem  to  be 
growing  in  grace,  and  increasing  in  knowledge. 
The  little  lambs  appear  to  be  unwilling  to  rest  upon 
duties,  or  any  thing  short  of  Christ.  There  are 
several  meetings  of  young  women,  who,  I  am  in- 
formed, hold  on  very  well ;  and  there  are  numbers 
of  young  men,  who  meet  for  the  excellent  purpose 
of  glorifying  God,  and  promoting  Christian  know- 
ledge. A  good  many  old  men,  substantial,  stand- 
ing Christians,  meet  for  edification,  (the  glory  of 
their  God  being  always  their  chief  end,)  and  are 
thereby  often  revived  and  very  much  refreshed. 
This  is  not  all ;  for  several  country  people  are  be- 
ginning to  assemble  together,  in  little  meetings,  to 
worship  God  ;  and  I  am  informed,  that,  about  two 
miles  from  this  place,  several  ploughmen,  and 
other  illiterate  persons,  meet,  and  are  going  sweet- 
ly on,  having  some  added  to  their  number  daily. 
In  the  east  country,  also,  near  Dunbar,  many  are 
now  meeting  for  social  prayer  and  conversation 
upon  religious  matters,  having  the  Lord  with  them, 
of  a  truth ;  and  in  that  place,  there  is  a  more  eager 
thirsting  for  the  word,  and  the  ministers  are  learn- 
ing to  speak  with  new  tongues." 

Such  remarkable  manifestations  of  the  Holy  Spi- 
rit have  been  so  long  withheld  from  the  churches 
of  Scotland,  that  many  who  bear  the  name  of  Chris- 
tian are  tempted  to  think,  that  his  affecting  opera- 
tions on  the  souls  of  men,  through  the  preaching 
of  the  gospel,  belonged  only  to  the  extraordinary 
ministrations  of  the  apostles;  and  that  now  no 
more  is  necesary,  in  order  to  make  men  good  Chris- 
ians,  butamere  rational  conviction  of  the  deformi- 


CAMBUSLANG. 


19 


ty  of  vice,  and  of  the  beauty  and  excellency  of 
virtue.  An  external  profession  of  religion,  with  a 
general  assent  to  the  truths  of  revelation,  and  a 
life  unblamable  in  the  eye  of  human  laws,  are  all 
that  is  considered  needful,  though,  at  the  same 
time,  the  person  be  an  absolute  stranger  to  the  faith 
of  God's  elect,  and  to  the  indwelling  of  the  Spirit 
of  Christ,  having  made  no  particular  application  of 
Jesus  Christ  to  himself,  nor  having  been  brought 
to  rest  upon  him  alone  for  the  whole  of  his  salva- 
tion ;  and  yet  it  is  as  certain  as  God's  word  is  true, 
that  unless  the  most  moral  man  in  the  world  is 
"  born  again,  he  cannot  enter  into  the  kingdom  of 
God;"  and  that  "if  any  man  have  not  the  Spirit 
of  Christ,"  be  he  otherwise  what  he  will,  "he  is 
none  of  his."  Great,  and,  alas !  too  successful  en- 
deavours have  been  made  to  bring  men  to  rest  upon 
a  ministry  and  ordinances  without  the  Spirit. 

By  nature  we  love  not  God,  nor  the  things  of 
God.  The  Sabbath  is  a  weariness — the  Scriptures 
are  without  interest,  and  the  ordinances  of  God's 
house  possess  no  attraction.  In  this  state  we  are 
obviously  unfit  for  the  eternal  Sabbath,  and  for  the 
blessed  employments  of  the  upper  sanctuary;  We 
must  be  changed  if  we  would  ever  enjoy  these. 
This  change  the  Spirit  of  God  accomplishes  on 
every  soul  that  comes  to  Christ.  Our  tastes,  there- 
fore, aflJ'ord  a  plain  test  by  which  our  state  may  be 
ascertained.  Reader,  have  you  any  relish  for  these 
things?  Have  you  any  sympathy  with  the  hun- 
gering and  thirsting  after  God  which  was  so  re- 
markably displayed  at  Cambuslang?  If  you  have 
not — if  conscience  tells  you  that  religion  is  unsa- 
voury— it  is  certain  that  you  are  without  Christ, 
and  consequently  without  hope.  Up  then,  and 
flee  to  Christ:  delay  not,  for  "  now  is  the  accepted 


20  REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 

time."  The  needful  change  the  Holy  Spirit  will 
accomplish  in  you,  "  to-day,  if  you  will  hear  his 
voice."  "  God  now  commandeth  all  men  every 
where  to  repent."  This  command  is  laid  as  a 
terror  across  your  path ;  you  cannot  proceed  one 
step  further  in  an  irreligious  course  without  tramp- 
ling it  under  foot;  without  practically  saying,  '  God 
commands  me  to  repent,  but  I  will  not  repent :  the 
Holy  Ghost  saith,  hear  his  voice  to-day,  but  to-day 
I  will  not  hear  it.'  If  to-morrow's  rising  sun  find 
you  out  of  the  narrow  way  of  life,  it  will  find  you 
where  God  forbids  you  to  be  on  pain  of  his  severest 
displeasure. — Remember  eternity  is  at  hand.  Time 
speeds  away. 

"  No  winds  along  the  hills  can  flee 
So  swiftly  or  so  smooth  as  he; 
Like  fiery  steed — from  stage  to  stage, 
He  bears  us  on  from  youth  to  age, 
Then  plunges  in  the  fearftil  sea 
Of  fathomless  eternity." 

Let  the  faithful  in  Christ  Jesus,  into  whose  hands 
this  narrative  may  come,  be  stirred  up  to  earnest, 
persevering  prayer,  that  the  Lord's  work  may  be 
successfully  carried  on  in  Scotland,  even  the  great 
work  of  quickening  the  dead,  justifying  the  guil- 
ty,  and  sanctifying  the  ungodly.  Let  Christians 
throughout  the  land  unite  for  this  purpose.  Let 
congregations  unite  to  implore  the  Divine  bless- 
ing on  the  labours  of  their  pastors.  It  is  in  this 
manner  that  the  arm  of  the  Lord  must  be  avyaken- 
ed ;  and  when  societies  for  prayer  are  multiplied, 
we  may  be  assured  that  a  day  of  power  is  at  hand. 
The  showers  which  have  before  refreshed  our 
land  will  refresh  it  yet  again,  and  the  gospel  will 


CAMBUSLANG.  21 

anew  be  preached  with  the  Spirit  sent  down  from 
above,  making  ministers  divinely  wise  to  win  souls 
to  Christ,  and  sending  them  forth  in  all  corners  and 
churches  of  this  land,  with  as  full  a  blessing  of  the 
gospel  of  Christ  as  Scotland  or  America  has  ever 
before  experienced. 


[     22     ] 


PART    II 


KILSYTH,   1742—3. 


When  the  Saviour  had  nearly  "  finished  the  work" 
the  Father  had  given  him  to  do,  and  when  about 
to  be  invested  as  Mediator  with  the  glory  which  he 
had  with  the  Father  before  the  world  was,  he  com- 
forted his  disconsolate  followers  by  telling  them, 
that  when  he  went  away,  he  would  send  the  Com- 
forter, who  would  lead  them  into  all  Truth,  and 
who  would  abide  with  them  for  ever.  And,  after  his 
resurrection,  before  he  bade  them  a  final  adieu,  he 
left  with  them,  and  through  them  to  all  his  follow- 
ers in  every  age,  this  animating  promise — "  Lo,  I 
am  with  you  alway,  even  unto  the  end  of  the 
world."  Every  Christian  is  aware  how  remark- 
ably these  promises  were  accomplished,  in  the  ex- 
perience of  the  primitive  church.  "  Jesus  Christ 
is  the  same,  yesterday,  to-day,  and  for  ever." 
Since  the  memorable  day  of  Pentecost  he  has  re- 
peatedly, and  sometimes  not  less  remarkably  ful- 
filled his  gracious  promise  of  "  the  gift  of  the  Holy 
Ghost."  Perhaps  no  country  in  the  world  since 
the  days  of  the  Apostles,  has  been  so  signally 
blessed,  in  this  respect,  as  Scotland.  Many  are 
the  instances  in  which  Divine  influence  has  de- 


KILSYTH, 


23 


scended  *'  as  dew  upon  the  tender  herb,  and  as  the 
showers  upon  the  grass,"  on  this  hitherto  privi- 
leged and  happy  land.  If  the  Jews  of  old,  when 
they  reached  "  the  other  side  Jordan,"  were  re- 
quired frequently  to  recount  "  the  acts  of  the  Lord," 
and  the  way  by  which  their  fathers  had  been  led, 
surely  it  is  most  befitting  that  the  spiritual  seed  of 
Jacob  should  recollect  and  commemorate  the  mani- 
festations of  Divine  grace,  in  past  ages,  towards 
the  true  Israel  of  God.  The  remembering  of  God's 
dealings  with  his  ancient  people  was  intended  to 
benefit  the  descendants  of  those  who  had  been  the 
subjects  of  them  ;  so,  perhaps,  the  present  attempt 
to  record  "  God's  mighty  acts,"  towards  His  spir- 
itual Israel  in  this  land,  may,  by  the  blessing  of 
the  Spirit,  stir  up  some  of  the  present  generation 
in  faith  and  in  fervency  to  desire  even  "  greater 
things  than  these." 

It  was  early  in  the  year  1742,  when  the  Spirit 
of  God  remarkably  visited  the  parish  of  Cambus- 
lang,  then  under  the  pastoral  care  of  the  Rev.  Mr. 
McCuUoch.  It  was  computed  that,  by  his  instru- 
mentality, aided  by  many  pious  ministers,  about 
four  hundred  individuals  were  brought  to  the  know- 
ledge of  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus.  This  remarkable 
display  of  the  Mediator's  power  awakened  great 
joy  in  the  hearts  of  God's  people,  and  stirred  up 
many  pious  ministers  and  people  in  other  parishes 
to  earnest  persevering  prayer  that  the  Lord  would 
carry  on  His  work,  and  refresh  his  weary  heritage 
over  the  land.  Among  the  many  godly  ministers 
who  frequently  visited  Cambuslang  on  this  memo- 
rable occasion  was  the  Rev.  Mr.  Robe,  minister  of 
the  neighbouring  parish  of  Kilsyth.  Like  Mr. 
McCulloch,  he  was  a  man  of  prayer,  deeply  aware 
of  the  responsibility  attending  his  office,  and  anxious- 


24 


REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 


ly  solicitous  for  the  eternal  welfare  of  his  people. 
Every  time  he  visited  Cambuslang  he  seems  to 
have  returned  to  his  own  charge  as  if  "  anointed 
with  fresh  oil,"  resolutely  determined  to  know 
nothing  among  them  but  "  Jesus  Christ,  and  him 
crucified."  By  this  time  he  had  laboured  in  the  pa- 
rish of  Kilsyth  for  the  space  of  thirty  years,  with- 
out being  aware  of  any  remarkable  success  having 
accompanied  his  ministrations.  During  that  period, 
the  parish  had  been  visited  with  a  severe  fever,  by 
which  many,  particularly  of  the  godly,  were  sud- 
denly cut  off.  That  visitation  was  followed  by  a 
famine,  and  shortly  after,  in  the  summer  of  1733, 
great  loss  was  sustained  by  a  destructive  storm  of 
thunder  and  lightning;  but,  instead  of  these  judg- 
ments leading  the  people  to  think  of  God,  whose 
displeasure  they  had  incurred,  and  to  seek  Him 
"  with  weeping  and  with  supplication,"  wicked- 
ness seemed  to  increase.  Mr.  Robe,  in  his  narra- 
tive, testifies  that  no  one  appeared  to  be  affected 
with  sin,  the  cause  of  all  the  evils  that  were  com- 
plained of.  On  the  contrary,  the  societies  for 
prayer  declined,  the  love  of  many  waxed  cold, 
the  spirit  of  formality  seemed  to  prevail,  and  open 
transgression  greatly  abounded.  In  these  painful 
circumstances  the  good  man  betook  himself  to 
prayer  in  behalf  of  his  people,  and  continued  still 
most  faithfully  to  set  before  them  "  life  and  death — 
the  blessing  and  the  curse."  In  the  year  1740,  he 
commenced  a  series  of  practical  discourses  on  the 
doctrine  of  regeneration.  He  explained  and  ap- 
plied, with  ail  faithfulness  and  scriptural  simplicity, 
the  nature,  the  importance,  the  necessity,  the  evi- 
dences of  this  spiritual  transformation,  and  although 
these  discourses  were  listened  to  with  apparent  se- 
riousness, yet  no  visible  effects  followed  at  the 


KILSYTH.  25 

time.  When  Cambuslanrr  and  other  parishes  were 
sharing  so  copiously  of  the  Divine  influence,  it 
was  matter  of  grief  and  discouragement  to  Mr. 
Robe  that  not  one  of  his  people  seemed  as  yet  at 
all  to  be  awakened.  He  continued  to  wrestle  much 
in  prayer,  and  still  with  affectionate  earnestness  to 
exhibit  to  his  people  a  full  and  free  salvation.  "  The 
effectual  fervent  prayer  of  a  righteous  man  availeth 
much."  Like  Jacob,  he  wrestled,  and,  like  Israel, 
he  prevailed — The  Lord  did  in  due  time  send  a 
*' plenteous  rain."  The  first  symptoms  were  the 
reviving  of  many  of  the  meetings  for  prayer,  the 
institution  of  some  new  similar  associations,  and 
particularly  of  one  composed  exclusively  of  females, 
from  ten  to  sixteen  years  of  age.  These  move- 
ments were  hailed  as  the  harbingers  of  brighter 
days. 

Mr.  Willison  of  Dundee,  "  whose  praise  is  in 
the  gospel  throughout  all  the  churches,"  being  on 
a  visit  to  Cambuslang,  spent  a  few  days  at  Kilsyth, 
on  his  way  home.  Being  requested  to  preach,  he 
did  so,  and  delivered  "  a  distinct,  plain,  and  mov- 
ing sermon,"  from  these  words: — *' He  brought 
me  up  also  out  of  a  horrible  pit,  out  of  the  miry 
clay,  and  set  my  feet  upon  a  rock,  and  established 
my  goings."  Many  of  those  who  were  afterwards 
effectually  awakened  dated  their  first  serious  con- 
cern about  their  souls,  from  hearing  that  sermon. 
On  the  Sabbath  following,  18th  April,  1742,  Mr. 
Robe  preached  from  these  words : — "  My  little 
children,  of  whom  1  travail  in  birth  again  until 
Christ  be  formed  in  you."  He  experienced  more 
than  usual  tenderness  in  reading  the  text,  and  could 
not  refrain  from  tears.  On  the  Sabbath  immediate- 
ly following,  one  woman  was  awakened  to  a  very 
distressing  sight  of  her  sinfidness  and  consequent 


26  REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 

exposure  to  misery.  She  was  observed  by  some 
in  the  congregation  to  be  under  great  uneasiness. 
"When  the  congregation  dismissed,  she  was  not 
able  to  proceed  on  her  way  home,  and  soon  after 
was  found  in  a  field,  crying  out  like  the  jailer, 
"  what  shall  I  do  to  be  saved?"  She  was  brought 
back  to  the  minister,  who  conversed  with  her  for  a 
considerable  time.  She  said  that  in  hearing  the 
sermon  she  was  made  to  see  that  she  was  unlike 
Jesus  Christ,  and  like  the  Devil,  and  altogether  in 
a  state  of  unregeneracy.  She  had  strong  impres- 
sions of  the  greatness  of  the  wrath  of  God,  to 
which,  on  account  of  sin,  she  felt  herself  liable. 
She  parted  with  Mr.  Robe  considerably  composed. 
She  continued  for  some  time  to  endure  occasionally, 
very  great  mental  anguish,  but  soon  after  obtained 
sensible  relief,  by  an  "apprehension  of  the  mercy 
of  God  in  Christ."  On  Sabbath,  the  9th  of  May, 
following,  five  persons  were  awakened  to  a  dis- 
tressing sight  of  their  sinful  and  lost  estate.  Mr. 
Robe,  and  the  praying  people  around,  fondly  cher- 
ished the  hope  that  this  might  be  but  as  a  few 
drops  before  the  plentiful  rain. 

And  now  the  period  of  peculiar  favour  to  this 
parish  was  come — the  time  that  God  had  set.  Mr. 
Robe  in  his  Narrative  states, — "  On  May  16,  I 
preached,  as  I  have  done  for  some  time,  on  Gal. 
iv.  19:  'My  little  children,  of  whom  I  travail  in 
birth  until  Christ  be  formed  in  you.'  While  press- 
ing all  the  unregenerate  to  seek  to  have  Christ 
formed  in  them,  an  extraordinary  power  of  the 
Divine  Spirit  accompanied  the  word  preached. 
There  was  a  great  mourning  in  the  congregation, 
as  for  an  only  son.  Many  cried  out,  and  these  not 
women,  but  some  strong  and  stout-hearted  young 
men.      After   the   congregation  was   dismissed," 


KILSYTH.  27 

continues  Mr.  Robe,  "  an  attempt  was  made  to  get 
the  distressed  into  my  barn,  but  their  number  be- 
ing so  great  this  was  impossible,  and  I  was  obliged 
to  convene  them  in  the  kirk.  J  sung  a  psalm  and 
prayed  with  them,  but  when  I  essayed  to  speak  to 
them  I  could  not  be  heard,  so  great  were  their  bit- 
ter cries,  groans,  and  the  voice  of  their  weeping. 
After  this,  I  requested  that  they  might  come  into 
my  closet,  one  by  one.  I  sent  for  the  Rev.  Mr. 
John  Oughterson,  minister  of  Cumbernauld,  who 
immediately  came  to  assist  me  in  dealing  with  the 
distressed.  In  the  meantime,  I  appointed  psalms 
to  be  sung  with  those  in  the  kirk,  and  that  the  pre- 
centor and  two  or  three  of  the  elders  should  pray 
with  them.  The  noise  of  the  distressed  was  heard 
from  afar.  It  was  pleasant  to  hear  those  who  had 
been  in  a  state  of  enmity  with  God,  despisers  of 
Jesus  Christ,  and  Satan's  contented  slaves,  crying 
out  for  mercy ; — some,  that  they  were  lost  and"  un- 
done:— others,  'what  shall  we  do  to  be  saved  ?' 
others,  praising  God  for  this  day,  and  for  awaken- 
ing them;  and  not  a  few,  not  only  weeping  and 
crying  for  themselves,  but  for  their  graceless  rela- 
tions. And  yet  it  would  have  moved  the  hardest 
heart,  that  many  of  them,  like  the  Israehtes  under 
Pharaoh's  oppression,  hearkened  not  when  I  spoke 
unto  them,  they  were  so  overwhelmed  with  an- 
guish of  spirit,  because  of  the  spiritual  bondage 
they  felt  they  were  under. — There  appeared  about 
thirty  awakened  this  day,  belonging  to  this  and  the 
neighbouring  congregations.  About  twenty  of 
them  belonged  to  this  parish.  Some  few  to  the 
parish  of  Campsie,  and  the  remainder  to  that  of 
Kirkintilloch.  But  I  have  found  since,  in  conver- 
sing with  the  distressed,  that  the  number  of  the 
awakened  far  exceeds  thirty." 


28- 


REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 


"  On  the  Wednesday  immediately  following  this 
day  of  the  Redeemer's  power,  there  was  a  sermon 
for  the  first  time  on  a  week  day.  Mr.  Warden, 
minister  of  Campsie,  and  Mr.  McLaurin,  one  of 
the  ministers  of  Glasgow,  preached  on  the  occa- 
sion. The  number  of  the  awakened  this  day  was 
as  great  as  on  the  Lord's  day.  The  greater  num- 
ber was  from  the  parish  of  Kirkintilloch ;  there 
were  also  some  from  the  parishes  of  Campsie  and 
Cumbernauld.  Nor  did  this  movement  of  Divine 
grace  soon  terminate.  The  blessed  work  of  con- 
viction and  conversion  went  on.  The  Redeemer 
did  "  ride  prosperously  because  of  truth,  and  meek- 
ness, and  righteousness,"  —  His  "arrows  were 
sharp  in  the  heart  of  the  King's  enemies.  The 
number  of  the  awakened,  belonging  to  this  parish, 
amounted  this  week  to  forty." 

When  the  Revival  commenced,  such  was  the 
desire  of  the  people  to  hear  the  word  of  God,  that, 
as  has  been  just  stated,  it  was  found  necessary  to 
institute  a  week-day  lecture.  W^ednesday  was  the 
day  selected  for  that  purpose ;  and  on  that  day 
there  were  sometimes  two  and  even  three  dis- 
courses. Monday,  Tuesday,  Thursday,  and  Fri- 
day, were  appropriated  for  conversing  with  the 
spiritually  distressed.  Notwithstanding  such  abun- 
dant labours,  Mr.  Robe  was  enabled  to  persevere — 
his  bodily  health  suffered  not,  and  his  inward  man 
prospered  day  by  day.  His  friends  sometimes, 
tried  to  persuade  him  to  relax  his  excessive  labours, 
but  growing  love  to  Jesus,  intense  compassion  for 
perishing  souls,  ardent  zeal  for  the  promotion  of 
God's  glory,  constrained  him  to  persevere  in  his 
arduous  but  interesting  duties.  "  It  soon  became," 
says  he,  "  the  pleasantest  work  in  which  I  ever 
engaged.     Though  I  was  wearied  when  I  went  to 


KILSYTH.  29 

bed,  yet,  like  the  labouring  man,  my  rest  was  sweet 
to  me.  The  Lord  gave  me  the  sleep  of  his  be- 
loved, and  I  was  fresh  by  the  morning.  The  way 
of  the  Lord  hath  been  my  life  and  my  strength." 

The  ordinance  of  the  Supper  was  as  usual,  dis- 
pensed on  the  second  Sabbath  of  June,  and  was 
attended  by  the  happiest  results  in  the  experience 
of  many.  The  blessed  work  of  conviction  and 
conversion  continued  greatly  to  increase  after  that 
solemn  communion  service,  and  it  was  intimated 
to  the  minister  in  the  middle  of  September  follow- 
ing, that  a  general  desire  existed  among  the  people 
for  another  and  an  early  opportunity  of  observing 
that  ordinance.  After  much  prayer  and  conference 
on  the  part  both  of  the  minister  and  the  people,  it 
was  resolved  that  the  death  of  our  Lord  should  be 
a  second  time  celebrated  that  year ;  which  was 
accordingly  done  on  the  third  Sabbath  of  October. 
The  account  given  by  Mr.  Robe  of  that  interesting 
solemnity  is  truly  heart  stirring.  "  I  was  assisted 
on  the  occasion  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  McLaurin  of 
Glasgow,  Mr.  James  Warden  of  Calder,  Mr.  John 
Warden  of  Campsie,  Mr.  James  Burnside  of  Kirk- 
intilloch, Mr.  James  Mackie  of  St.  Ninians,  Mr. 
John  Smith  of  Larbert,  Mr.  Spiers  of  Linlithgow, 
Mr.  Thomas  Gillespie  of  Carnock,  Mr.  Hunter  of 
Saline,  Mr.  McCuUoch  of  Cambuslang,  and  Mr. 
Porteous  of  Monivaird.  Upon  the  Fast-day,  ser- 
mon was  in  the  fields  to  a  very  numerous  and 
attentive  audience,  by  three  ministers,  without  any 
intermission,  because  of  the  shortness  of  the  day. 
Upon  the  Friday  evening  there  was  sermon  in  the 
kirk,  and  there  was  a  good  deal  of  concern  among 
the  people.  Upon  Saturday  there  was  sermon  both 
in  the  kirk  and  in  the  fields.  Upon  the  Lord's 
day  the  public  service  began  about  half-past  eight 
4 


30 


REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 


in  the  morning,  and  continued  without  intermission 
till  half-past  eight  in  the  evening.  I  preached  the 
action  sermon,  by  the  divine  direction  and  assis- 
tance, from  Eph.  ii.  7.  *  That  in  the  ages  to  come 
he  might  show  the  exceeding  riches  of  his  grace, 
in  his  kindness  towards  us,  through  Christ  Jesus.' 
There  were  about  twenty-two  services  each  con- 
sisting of  about  seventy  persons.  The  evening 
sermon  began  immediately  after  the  last  table-ser- 
vice. And  though  I  desired  that  the  congregation 
in  the  fields  should  be  dismissed  after  the  last  ser- 
vice, yet  they  chose  rather  to  continue  together  till 
all  was  over.  During  all  the  services  there  was 
the  most  desirable  frame  and  observable  concern 
among  the  people,  that  had  ever  been  any  where 
seen.  It  began  to  be  considerable,  when  Mr. 
Warden  of  Campsie  preached,  and  it  continued 
and  greatly  increased  while  Mr.  Spiers  preached, 
who  concluded  the  public  w^ork  of  the  day  in  the 
fields.  On  Monday  there  were  sermons  both  in 
the  kirk  and  in  the  fields.  There  was  a  good  deal 
of  observable  concern;  and  several  were  brought 
under  spiritual  distress  in  the  fields.  In  the  even- 
ing, two  ministers  preached  to  the  numerous  dis- 
tressed convened  in  the  kirk.  On  Tuesday  morn- 
ing there  was  a  sermon  preached,  and  a  discourse 
by  another  minister,  containing  suitable  instructions 
and  directions  both  to  the  awakened,  and  to  those 
who  had  never  attained  to  any  sight  or  sense  of 
their  sin  and  danger.  The  spiritual  fruits  of  this 
solemn  and  extraordinary  dispensation  of  Word 
and  Sacrament  were  truly  animating.  Many  secure 
sinners  were  awakened.  Zion's  mighty  King 
brought  the  wheel  of  the  law  over  them,  and  sent 
them  home  with  broken  and  contrite  hearts.  Some 
who  came  hither  in  a  state  of  spiritual  distress  and 


KILSYTH. 


31 


law-work,  felt  such  a  time  of  the  Mediator's  power 
as  enabled  them  to  embrace  Jesus  Christ  with  such 
distinctness,  as  to  know  that  they  had  done  it. 
Many  had  the  love  of  Christ  so  shed  abroad  in 
their  hearts  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  that  they  could 
not  contain,  but  were  constrained  to  break  forth  in 
floods  of  tears  in  the  most  significant  expressions 
of  their  own  vileness  and  unworlhiness,  and  of 
the  deep  sense  they  had  of  the  exceeding  riches  of 
God's  grace,  in  his  kindness  towards  them  by 
Christ  Jesus." 

It  is  delightful  to  contemplate  the  solid  nature  of 
this  work  of  Revival.  It  was  far  removed  from 
enthusiastic  fanaticism  on  the  one  hand,  and  pre- 
sumptuous Antinomianism  on  the  other-  Although 
some  who  seemed  to  be  awakened  ultimately  fell 
away,  yet  the  experience  of  many  made  it  une- 
quivocally manifest,  that  "the  Lord  himself  had 
given  the  word."  Deep  humility,  hatred  of  all 
sin,  love  of  holiness,  aspirations  after  conformity 
to  the  image  of  God,  fervent  prayers  and  endea- 
vours that  others  might  be  brought  to  the  same 
views  and  the  same  enjoyments,  characterized  the 
greater  number  of  the  individuals  with  whom  Mr. 
Robe  was  called  to  converse.  Indeed,  the  views 
of  sin,  and  of  the  way  of  salvation,  entertained  by 
the  individuals  brought  under  the  power  of  this 
blessed  work  of  the  Spirit,  were,  generally  speak- 
ing, of  the  most  scriptural  and  enlightened  descrip- 
tion. One  man  being  asked  "  what  he  took  closing 
with  Christ  to  be;"  made  this  most  intelligent 
reply: — "  I  take  closing  with  Christ  to  be  a  receiv- 
ing of  Him  as  a  Prophet,  to  teach  me  the  way  ol 
salvation ;  as  a  Priest,  to  atone  for  me,  and  to  be 
my  righteousness  in  the  sight  of  God;  and,  as  a 
King,  to  rule  over  me,  and  to  subdue  sin  and  cor- 


32  REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 

ruption  in  me ;  and  that  without  Christ's  righteous- 
ness imputed,  I  can  never  be  accepted  in  the  sight 
of  God."  One  woman,  after  she  was  brought 
distincdy  to  receive,  and  rest  alone  upon  Christ 
for  salvation,  thus  expressed  herself: — "Worldly 
thoughts  are  away  from  me  now,  and  oh  that  they 
would  never  return  again !  Ten  thousand  worlds 
could  not  give  me  the  love  and  joy  with  which 
Christ  now  fills  me."  When  asked  some  ques- 
tions by  Mr.  Robe,  she  said,  "Sir,  though  you 
put  questions  to  me,  as  was  done  to  Peter,  Christ, 
who  knows  my  heart,  knows  that  I  do  love  Him, 
and  I  am  resolved,  in  the  strength  of  imparted 
promised  grace,  to  show  my  love  to  Him  by  keep- 
ing His  commandments."  She  sometimes  gave 
utterance  to  such  words  as  these — "  He  is  my  sure 
portion,  whom  I  have  chosen  for  ever.  Oh,  what 
hath  he  done  for  me  !  I  desire  to  have  all  the  world 
brought  to  Him,  that  they  too  may  partake  of  His 
rich  and  sovereign  grace." 

Although  the  greater  number,  like  the  awakened 
at  the  day  of  Pentecost,  or  like  the  convicted  jailer 
at  Phihppi,  were  made  to  cry  out,  under  a  sense  of 
sin  and  apprehension  of  coming  wrath,  and  could 
not  conceal  their  distress,  yet  many  were  brought 
to  Jesus  in  a  more  gentle  and  silent  manner,  whose 
cases  were  not  made  known  to  Mr.  Robe  till  they 
had  obtained  peace  in  believing.  Two  or  three 
instances  of  this  kind  may  be  given,  nearly  in  Mr. 
Robe's  own  words,  from  among  the  many  that 
might  be  quoted : — A  woman  who  was  brought  to 
concern  on  16th  May,  waited  upon  Mr.  Robe  the 
following  week,  manifesting  great  anxiety  for  the 
salvation  of  her  soul.  "  I  was,"  says  he,  "  much 
pleased  with  the  character  of  her  convictions,  with 
her  knowledge,  and  the  longing  desires  she  ex- 


KILSYTH. 


33 


pressed  after  Jesus  Christ.  I  said  to  her,  '  essay- 
to  accept  of  Christ,  bestir  yourself,  rise  up  at  his 
call,  and  invite  Him  to  enter  into  your  heart,  into 
your  soul.'  Although  I  did  not  intend  or  mean 
this,  she  arose  with  great  composure,  stood  and 
prayed  in  a  most  scriptural  style.  She  acknow- 
ledged sin,  original  and  actual,  her  utter  want  of 
righteousness,  the  wonderfulness  of  God's  patience 
to  her.  She  prayed  for  mercy  to  be  drawn  to 
Jesus  Christ,  and  that  she  might  be'clothed  with 
His  white  raiment.  Sometimes  in  her  address, 
she  would  say — '  Sweet  Jesus  ;'  '  He  is  precious ;' 
'  He  is  altogether  lovely.'  She  first  came  to  sensi- 
ble relief  from  a  sermon  I  preached  on  John  xvi. 
10,  *  Of  righteousness,  because  I  go  to  my  Father, 
and  ye  see  me  no  more.'  In  her  return  home  that 
day,  these  words  were  strongly  impressed  on  her 
mind — '  My  heart  is  fixed,  O  God,  my  heart  is 
fixed;  I  will  sing  and  give  praise.'  She  fell  down 
upon  her  knees;  her  heart  being  filled  with  joy 
in  the  Lord,  and  her  mouth  with  His  praise." — 

— "  C.  D.  came  first  under  convictions  by  hear- 
ing the  doctrine  of  regeneration  stated,  as  it  is  the 
writing  of  God's  law  upon  the  sinner's  heart,  from 
Heb.  viii.  10.  He  was  made  distinctly  to  see  that 
it  was  not  as  yet  written  upon  his  heart,  and  that 
if  he  would  be  happy  hereafter,  it  was  indispensa- 
bly necessary  that  it  should  be  so.  Upon  the 
evening  of  the  day  when  he  received  his  first  im- 
pressions, he  conversed  with  a  friend  concerning 
the  resurrection,  the  general  judgment,  and  the  sad 
state  in  which  impenitent  sinners  must  be  through- 
out eternity.  By  such  converse  his  impressions 
were  deepened.  Every  sermon  and  every  awaken- 
ing experienced  by  his  neighbours  was  blessed  for 
the  same  end.     He  told  me  that  he  could  apply  to 


34 


REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 


himself  the  greater  part  of  a  sermon  he  heard  from 
me  concerning  the  Spirit's  convincing  the  world  of 
sin  :  such  as,  that  he  usually  begins  with  one  sin, 
and  after  that  proceeds  to  convince  of  particular 
sins.  He  was  convinced  of  the  sins  of  his  heart, 
and  of  the  evil  nature  of  sin.  He  was  not  so  much 
distressed  about  sin,  as  exposing  him  to  hell,  but 
he  felt  particularly  grieved  as  it  was  an  insult  offer- 
ed to  a  holy  God.  He  got  such  a  sight  of  the 
filthiness  of  sin,  as  to  loathe  himself  on  account  of 
it.  He  was  also  convinced  of  the  great  sin  of  un- 
belief, of  the  sinfulness  of  the  least  thought  of 
iniquity,  though  not  consented  thereto;  of  the  evil 
of  self-conceit,  a  sense  of  the  sinfulness  of  which 
stuck  as  long  with  him,  as  he  termed  it,  as  any 
thing  else.  He  was  also  sensible  of  his  inability 
to  help  himself,  of  his  own  want  of  righteousness, 
and  that  he  could  not  work  out  a  righteousness  for 
himself.  He  was  brought  to  see  the  sufficiency  of 
Christ's  rigliteousness,  and  that  He,  to  use  his  own 
words,  was  always  ready,  if  he  would  but  trust  in 
Him.  Seeing  that  he  had  not  informed  any  one 
of  his  spiritual  distress  till  he  got  relief  by  believ- 
ing in  Christ,  I  asked  what  it  was  that  kept  up  his 
spirit  under  fear  and  trouble  of  mind,  continuing 
so  long.  He  told  me  that  when  his  heart  was  like 
to  burst  in  prayer,  that  word  came  constantly  in 
his  mind,  and  encouraged  him  to  wait  for  the  Lord 
with  patience  and  hope :  *  I  waited  patiently  for 
the  Lord,  and  He  inchned  unto  me,  and  heard  my 
cry.'  His  first  relief  came  in  this  manner.  In 
the  Society  for  Prayer  of  which  he  had  become 
a  member,  he  inquired,  '  What  was  the  most  pro- 
per exercise  for  a  person  under  convictions?'  to 
which  it  was  replied  by  a  very  judicious  Christian, 
*  That  it  was  to  behold  the  Lamb  of  God,'  which 


KILSYTH. 


35 


he  essayed  to  do.  When  I  gave,  in  a  public  dis- 
course, the  marks  of  tliose  who  had  Christ  formed 
in  them,  he  said  that  by  the  help  of  the  Spirit  he 
could  apply  them  all  to  himself,  and  that  during 
prayer  and  after  sermon  he  was  in  a  frame  sur- 
prising to  himself ;  that  his  whole  heart  and  affec- 
tions went  out  in  closing  with  Jesus  Christ,  and 
that  he  was  filled  with  rejoicing  and  wonder  at  His 
love." 

*'  R.  S.  was  first  touched  with  convictions  on  the 
Lord's  day,  May  16.  He  heard  sermons  upon  the 
Wednesday  at  Kilsyth,  and  upon  Thursday  at 
Kirkintilloch.  He  spent  the  greater  part  of  the 
last  mentioned  evening  in  the  fields,  crying  out 
under  a  deep  sense  of  sin.  He  came  to  me  on  the 
following  day  in  great  mental  distress.  He  had  a 
distressing  sight  of  particular  sins,  such  as  Sabbath 
breaking,  cursing,  swearing,  evil  thoughts,  &c.  He 
was  grieved  for  sin  as  an  offence  against  God ;  and 
said  with  great  earnestness,  he  would  give  a  thou- 
sand worlds  for  Christ.  He  saw  that  he  had  a  vile 
corrupt  nature,  and  mourned  over  the  sin  of  so  long 
despising  Christ  through  unbelief.  I  endeavoured 
to  instruct  him  in  the  nature  of  faith  and  the  way 
of  salvation  through  Jesus  Christ.  On  a  subse- 
quent occasion,  when  conversing  with  him,  he  said 
he  had  endeavoured  to  close  with  a  whole  Christ 
in  all  his  offices,  and  counts  all  things  but  loss 
and  dung,  for  the  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of 
Jesus  Christ,  and  that  he  may  win  him.  He  said 
that  he  had  now  an  inclination  to  Christ,  and  that 
his  heart  flutters  in  him  like  a  bird  when  he  thinks 
of  him." 

It  is  emphatically  said  by  an  inspired  writer, 
that  "  the  grace  of  God  which  bringeth  salvation, 
teaches  to  deny  ungodliness  and  worldly  lusts,  and 


36  REVIVALS    OP    RELIGION. 

to  live  soberly,  righteously,  and  godly,  in  this  pre- 
sent evil  world."  This  declaration  of  holy  Scrip- 
ture, received  remarkable  illustration  at  Kilsyth. 
The  number  of  individuals  who  were  awakened 
in  the  parish,  and  who  afterwards  publicly  profess- 
ed the  faith  of  Christ,  was  upwards  of  three  hun- 
dred; and  by  various  authentic  documents,  record- 
ed in  Mr.  Robe's  Narrative,  it  is  ascertained  that 
the  life  and  conversation  of  these,  with  fewer  ex- 
ceptions than  might  have  been  expected,  were  such 
as  became  the  gospel.  The  moral  influence  on  the 
parish  generally,  was  remarkable. 

Mr.  Robe  thus  writes — "  Among  the  instances 
of  the  good  fruits  of  this  work  upon  the  people, 
may  be  mentioned  visible  reformation  from  many 
open  sins,  particularly  cursing,  swearing,  and  drink- 
ing. In  social  meetings,  edifying  conversation 
has  taken  place  of  what  was  frothy,  foolish,  or 
censorious.  Instead  of  worldly  and  common  dis- 
course on  the  Lord's  day,  there  is  that  w^hich  is 
spiritual  and  good  to  the  use  of  edifying.  There 
is  little  of  what  was  formerly  common,  strollmg 
about  the  fields,  or  sitting  idle  at  the  doors  of  their 
houses  on  that  holy  day.  There  is  a  general  de- 
sire after  public  ordinances.  Before  this,  I  could 
never  prevail  with  the  best  to  attend  the  preaching 
of  the  Word  during  the  week,  and  therefore  could 
have  no  stated  weekly  meeting  for  expounding; 
now,  however,  they  desire  it,  and  the  generality  of 
the  people  attend  as  regularly  as  upon  the  Lord's 
day.  The  worship  of  God  is  set  up  and  maintain- 
ed in  many  families  who  formerly  neglected  it. 
There  are  many  new  societies  for  prayer,  com- 
posed of  individuals  of  all  ages,  and  not  only  of 
those  who  have  been  lately  aw^akened,  but  of  those 
who  before  had  a  character  for  seriousness.     For- 


KILJYTH.  37 

mer  feuds  and  animosities  are  in  a  great  measure 
laid  aside  and  forgot,  and  this  hath  been  the  most 
peaceable  summer  amongst  neighbours  that  was 
ever  known  in  this  parish.  I  have  heard  little  or 
nothing  of  that  pilfering  and  stealing  that  was  so 
frequent  before  this  work  began.  Yea,  there  have 
been  several  instances  of  restitution,  and  some  of 
these  showing  consciences  of  more  than  ordinary 
tenderness.  The  change  on  the  face  of  our  public 
meetings  for  worship  is  visible :  there  was  never 
such  attention  and  seriousness  seen  in  them  as  now. 
The  change  is  observed  by  every  one  who  former- 
ly knew  the  parish.  One  observing  person  said  to 
me,  that  if  there  was  no  more  gained  by  this  won- 
derful work  of  the  Spirit,  there  was  at  least  a  great 
increase  of  morality." 

Such  is  a  short  sketch  of  the  remarkable  out- 
pouring of  the  Spirit  of  God  at  Kilsyth  during  the 
year  1742 — 3.  It  furnishes  one  among  the  many 
emblems  of  that  more  "  plentiful  rain"  with  which 
the  millennial  glory  shall  be  ushered  in.  When 
the  past  history  of  the  world  and  of  the  church 
is  contemplated,  it  is  refreshing  to  find  such  ver- 
dant spots  amidst  the  spiritual  sterility  that  every 
where  abounds.  And  when  viewing  the  present 
aspect  of  society,  so  lukewarm  and  so  secure,  it 
is  delightful  to  anticipate  with  certainty  the  pre- 
dicted period,  when,  in  the  metaphoric  language 
of  Scripture,  "  the  wilderness  and  the  solitary 
place  shall  be  glad,  and  the  desert  shall  rejoice  and 
blossom  as  the  rose."  The  outpouring  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  by  which  alone  this  change  can  be 
effected,  is  matter  of  promise,  and  matter  of  pro- 
phecy. The  prayer  of  faith  works  wonders.  The 
plea  of  the  finished  work  of  Emmanuel  is  irresisti- 
ble.    Encouraged  then  by  the  promises,  the  pre- 


38  REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 

dictions,  and  the  arguments,  of  Scripture,  let  every 
true  wrestler  at  the  throne  of  grace  adopt  the  reso- 
lution of  the  Prophet — "  For  Zion's  sake  will  I 
not  hold  my  peace,  and  for  Jerusalem's  sake  I  will 
not  rest,  until  the  righteousness  thereof  go  forth  as 
brightness,  and  the  salvation  thereof  as  a  lamp  that 
burneth." 

While  secret  prayer  for  the  descent  of  the  Holy 
Spirit  is  thus  earnestly  pressed,  small  concerts  for 
prayer  are  at  the  same  time  no  less  urgently  re- 
commended. Such  meetings  preceded,  accompa- 
nied, and  followed  the  Revival  of  1742.  Jesus 
still  reigns  "  a  Prince  and  Saviour" — "  a  Priest 
upon  his  throne" — ready  to  subdue  the  rebellious 
heart  of  man  by  the  efficacy  of  his  own  sacrifice. 
The  love  of  Jehovah  is  still  overflowing.  The  re- 
sources of  the  Spirit  are  still  equal  to  the  conver- 
sion of  a  world;  one  breathing  from  Him  would 
make  our  people  live.  O  then  let  God's  people 
unite  together — let  them  speak  often  one  to  another: 
He  will  hearken  and  hear!  Let  them  give  Him 
no  rest  till  he  establish,  and  till  he  make  Jerusalem 
a  praise  in  the  earth ! 


39 


PART  III. 


BALDERNOCH,  KIRKINTILLOCH,  MUTHILL,  &c. 
1742-3. 


An  attempt  has  been  made,  in  the  two  preceding 
numbers  of  this  series,  to  give  a  sketch  of  the 
state  of  religion  in  Cambuslang  and  Kilsyth,  during 
the  years  1742-3  ;  and  in  the  present  it  is  proposed 
to  give  a  brief  account  of  the  progress  of  the  truth 
in  other  partjj^of  Scodand  during  the  same  period; 
for  the  work  of  religion,  revived  in  these  parishes, 
could  not  but  excite  great  interest  in  the  districts 
and  congregations  around  them.  Multitudes  flocked 
from  all  quarters ;  some  attracted  by  curiosity, 
others  to  gain  spiritual  refreshment,  and  not  a  few 
to  mock  and  to  ridicule.  At  the  memorable  dis- 
pensation of  the  Lord's  supper  at  Cambuslang,  for 
instance,  on  the  third  Sabbath  of  August,  1742, 
there  were  present  many  individuals  from  Irvine, 
Kilmarnock,  Dreghorn,  and  other  parishes  in  that 
neighbourhood;  and  it  was  afterwards  ascertained 
that  about  sixty  of  these  returned  home  seriously 
impressed  with  a  sense  of  their  sinfulness  and 
misery,  and  not  a  few  rejoicing  in  the  grace  of  the 
gospel.  These  individuals  were  instrumental  in 
awakening  others.  Prayer  meetings  were  estab- 
lished ;  and  then,  by  the  preaching  of  the  gospel, 


40  REVIVALS     OF     RELIGION, 

many  other  converts  were  added  to  those  who  had 
been  awakened  at  Cambuslang. 

In  the  parishes  eastward  of  Kilsyth  the  revival 
was  little  felt.  The  people  were  keenly  engaged 
in  discussing  the  externals  of  Christianity,  and 
were  thereby  prevented  from  studying  very  mi- 
nutely the  doctrines  of  vital  religion.  It  has  been 
found  that  keen  party  spirit  almost  necessarily  des- 
troys spirituality  of  mind.  An  anxious  desire  to 
obtain  connexion  with  a  sect,  is  too  frequently  sub- 
stituted for  earnest  solicitude  to  gain  union  with 
Jesus,  the  Saviour.  Nevertheless,  there  were  a 
few  witnesses  for  God  raised  up  even  in  these 
parishes.  In  Denny  and  Larbert,  particularly,  this 
was  the  case.  The  Almighty  Spirit  triumphed  over 
the  carnality  of  many  nominal  professors,  and  ren- 
dered them  the  living  members  of  Christ.  Not  a 
few  gainsayers  w^ere  reclaimed,  whose  lives  after- 
wards furnished  a  practical  and  cj^lar  demon- 
stration, that  the  work  was  of  Goo^and  not  of 
man. 

In  the  parish  of  Torphichen,  to  the  eastward  of 
Linlithgow,  at  that  time  under  the  ministry  of  Mr. 
Bonar,  seven  persons  were  awakened  at  the  dis- 
pensation of  the  Supper  of  the  Lord,  on  the  first 
Sabbath  of  August,  1742,  who  afterwards  were 
enabled  to  give  scriptural  evidence  of  being  in 
Christ  by  a  living  faith. 

The  case  of  the  parish  of  Baldernock  deserves 
to  be  particularly  noticed.  Few  of  the  people  had 
visited  those  places  in  which  the  revivals  had 
originated ;  and  although  for  some  years  there  had 
been  no  regular  pastor,  yet  about  ninety  individuals 
were  brought  under  the  quickening  influence  of 
the  Spirit  of  promise.  Mr.  Wallace,  who  had 
previously  laboured  amongst  them  in  holy  things 


BALDEKNOGH,    KIRKINTILLOCH,  ETC.  41 

for  about  fifty  years,  had  been  faithful  and  zealous  ; 
and  perhaps  the  many  conversions  that  now  took 
place,  might  be  remotely  traced  to  his  ministrations. 
The  seed  which  lies  long  concealed  may  spring  up 
in  an  abundant  harvest.  But  in  the  absence  of  a 
regular  ministry,  God,  who  can  accomplish  His 
purposes  of  mercy  with  weak  as  well  as  with  power- 
ful means,  raised  up  and  qualified  Mr.  James 
Forsyth,  who  occupied  the  humble  but  honourable 
station  of  parochial  schoolmaster,  as  the  instrument 
of  carrying  foward  in  that  parish,  the  good  work 
that  had  made  such  advances  in  the  surrounding 
country.  He  was  evidently  a  good  man.  He  had 
been  long  distinguished  for  godliness.  His  experi- 
ence of  the  preciousness  of  Christ,  could  not  but 
prompt  him  to  embrace  the  opportunity,  which  his 
profession  furnished,  of  diffusing  the  knowledge 
of  that  Name,  and  of  that  Salvation,  which  he 
knew  to  be  essential  to  the  true  happiness  of  the 
people  with  whom  he  was  brought  in  contact.  He 
partook  of  the  joy  with  which  the  news  of  God's 
dealings  with  his  church  was  received  by  such  as 
had  themselves  tasted  that  the  Lord  is  gracious; 
and  in  the  peculiar  circumstances  of  the  parish,  he 
endeavoured,  by  every  means  in  his  power,  to 
infuse  the  same  spiriuial  life  among  the  people. 
He  spoke,  more  especially  to  the  young,  with  ear- 
nestness and  affection  about  their  lost  condition  by 
nature  and  practice,  about  the  love  of  God  mani- 
fested in  the  gift  of  his  Son  for  the  salvation  of  sin- 
ners ready  to  perish;  and  the  Holy  Spirit  was 
pleased  to  convey  these  simple  but  impressive 
truths  to  the  hearts  of  his  interesting  charge,  who, 
in  their  turn^  were  enabled  to  leave  a  testimony  to 
the  truth,  in  the  consciences  of  the  adult  popula- 
tion.    Would  there  were  many  such  teachers  of 


42 


REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 


youth !  Would  that  they  felt  that  they  and  their 
youthful  charge  shall  stand  together  in  the  judg- 
ment, and  must  render  an  account  of  their  important 
stewardship!  Religious  instruction  was  made  to 
hold  a  prominent  place  in  the  school  under  the 
charge  of  Mr.  Forsyth;  and  for  the  encouragement 
of  all  in  like  circumstances,  these  instructions  were 
rendered  instrumental  for  the  conversion  of  many. 
God  countenanced  his  feeble  endeavours,  and  made 
him  the  honoured  instrument  of  winning  many  souls 
to  Christ.  His  own  account  of  the  matter  is 
detailed  in  letters  to  Mr.  Robe,  and  will  be  felt 
deeply  interesting  and  animating  by  all  who  have 
any  love  for  ardent  piety  or  disinterested  zeal.  In 
a  letter  dated  17th  July,  1742,  he  thus  writes — 
"  Since  the  first  of  February  last,  I  endeavoured, 
to  the  utmost  of  my  power,  to  instruct  the  children 
under  my  charge  in  the  first  principles  of  religion — 
that  they  were  born  in  a  state  of  sin  and  misery, 
and  strangers  to  God  by  nature.  I  pressed  them, 
with  every  argument  I  could  think  of,  to  give  up 
their  sinful  ways,  and  flee  to  Jesus  Christ  by  faith 
and  repentance ;  and  by  the  blessing  of  God,  my 
eiforls  were  not  made  in  vain.  Glory  to  His  holy 
name,  that  which  was  spoken  in  much  weakness, 
was  accompanied  by  the  power  of  His  Holy  Spirit. 
I  hkewise  warned  them  against  the  commission  of 
known  sin.  I  told  them  the  danger  of  persisting 
contrary  to  the  voice  of  conscience,  and  the  plain 
dictates  of  the  word  of  God;  assuring  them,  that 
if  they  did  so,  their  sin  would  one  day  find  them 
out.  These  exhortations,  frequently  repeated, 
made  at  last  some  impression  on  their  young  hearts. 
This  was  used  as  a  means  in  God's  hand  for  bring- 
ing the  elder  sort  to  a  more  serious  concern,  and  a 
greater  diligence  in  religious  duties.     One  of  the 


BALDERNOCH,    KIRKINTILLOCH,    ETC.  43 

school  boys,  who  went  to  Cambuslang  in  March, 
was  the  first  awakened.  He,  in  a  sliort  time  there- 
after, asked  permission  to  meet  with  two  or  three 
of  the  other  boys  in  the  school-room,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  praying  and  singing  psalms.  I  had  great 
pleasure  in  granting  this  request.  Very  soon  after, 
a  few  more  of  the  boys  manifested  deep  concern 
for  their  souls;  and  in  fourteen  days  after  the  open- 
ing of  this  youthful  prayer  meeting,  ten  or  twelve 
were  hopefully  awakened;  none  of  them  were 
above  thirteen  years  of  age — a  few  of  them  were 
so  young  as  eight  or  nine.  These  associated 
together  for  devotional  duties.  Their  love  for 
these  services  increased;  so  much  so,  that  they 
sometimes  met  three  times  a-day — early  in  the 
morning — at  noon,  during  the  interval  of  school 
hours — and  in  the  evening.  These  soon  forsook 
all  their  childish  fancies  and  plays,  and  w^ere  known 
to  their  school  companions  by  their  general  ap- 
pearance, by  their  walk  and  conversation.  All  this 
had  a  happy  effect  upon  the  other  children.  Many 
were  awakened  through  their  means.  They  be- 
came remarkable  for  tenderness  of  conscience.  A 
word  of  terror  occurring  in  their  lessons  would 
sometimes  make  them  cry  out  and  weep  bitterly. 
Some  of  them  could  give  a  most  intelligent  account 
of  their  experience  of  divine  truth.  They  were 
sensible  of  the  sin  of  their  nature,  of  their  actual 
transgressions,  and  even  of  the  sin  of  unbelief;  for 
when  I  would  exhort  them  to  believe  in  Christ 
who  was  both  able  and  willing  to  save  them  to  the 
the  uttermost,  they  would  reply,  in  the  most  affect- 
ing terms,  that  they  knew  He  was  both  able  and 
willing,  but  their  hearts  were  so  hard  that  they 
could  not  believe  aright  of  themselves,  till  God 


44  REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 

gave  them  the  new  heart— that  they  could  do  noth- 
ing for  their  hard  hearts." 

It  }ias  been  often  illustrated,  that  <'  out  of  the 
mouths  of  babes  and  sucklings  God  perfects  praise." 
What  heart  that  reads  this  narrative  can  feel  un- 
moved at  the  striking  illustration  thus  furnished  of 
this  Scripture  saying,  in  the  case  of  the  youth  of 
the  parish  of  Baldernoch,  under  the  care  of  Mr. 
Forsyth !  Who  would  not  pray  that  all  teachers  of 
youth  were  blessed  with  piety  like  his,  with  zeal 
like  his,  with  success  like  his ! 

Respecting  the  people  in  general,  Mr.  F.  thus 
writes—"  Some  were  awakened  at  Cambuslang, 
others  at  Calder  and  Kirkintilloch,  but  the  greater 
number  at  the  private  meetings  for  prayer  held  in 
the  parish.  These  meetings  were  held  twice  a- 
week,  and  all  were  admitted  who  chose  to  attend." 
— These  meetings  were  eminently  countenanced. 
Many  who  attended  were  blessed  with  the  com- 
munications of  Divine  grace,  and  made  to  experi- 
ence the  image  and  the  earnest  of  the  fellowship 
that  is  above.  "  Two  young  women,"  says  Mr. 
Forsyth,  "  who  had  been  at  Cambuslang,  and  who 
brought  back  an  evil  report,  saying,  that  they 
wondered  what  made  the  people  cry  out,  on  the 
22d  of  June,  came  to  one  of  these  meetings  in  Bal- 
dernoch, as  was  supposed,  with  no  good  design. 
Before  a  quarter  of  an  hour  had  elapsed,  they  were 
brought  under  serious  convictions,  and  continued 
in  distress  during  the  remaining  exercises  of  the 
evening." 

These  details  of  the  awakening  in  Baldernoch 
furnish  an  impressive  commentary  on  these  words 
of  Scripture—-"  Not  by  might,  nor  by  power,  but 
by  my  Spirit,  saith  the  Lord :"  "I  will  have  mercy 


BALDERNOCH,    KIRKINTILLOCH,     ETC. 


45 


on  whom  I  will  have  merey,  and  I  will  have  com- 
passion on  whom  I  will  have  compassion:" — and 
sliould  stimulate  every  Christian,  in  his  own  sphere, 
to  labour  for  Christ,  trusting  that  the  Divine  Spirit 
-will  come  "  and  leave  a  blessing  behind  Him." 

Respecting  the  case  of  Baldernoch,  Mr.  Robe 
has  the  following  judicious  remarks; — "I  have 
been  the  more  particular,  that  we  who  are  ministers 
of  the  gospel  may  learn  not  to  be  lifted  up  by  any 
success  we  may  have  in  our  ministrations;  though 
the  Lord  maketh  especially  the  preaching  of  the 
word  an  effectual  means  of  convincing  and  con- 
verting sinners,  and  of  building  up  them  who  are 
converted,  yet  he  also  blesseth  the  reading  of  the 
word.  Christian  communion,  and  religious  educa- 
tion, by  parents,  schoolmasters,  and  others,  for  the 
same  blessed  ends,  and,  also  that  he  sometimes 
makes  use  of  weak  and  inconsiderable  instruments 
for  beginning  and  carrying  on  a  good  work  upon 
the  souls  of  men,  while  men  of  great  gifts  are  not 
so  successful.  The  people  are  not  the  less  careful 
to  attend  upon  public  ordinances;  their  meetings 
do  not  interfere  with  the  public  means  of  grace  in 
their  own  congregation,  nor  with  the  same  privi- 
leges in  the  neighbouring  congregations,  when  de- 
prived of  them  in  their  own  church,  in  consequence 
of  there  being  at  present  no  regular  minister." 

At  the  parish  of  Killearn,  about  sixteen  miles  north 
from  Glasgow,  at  that  time  under  the  pastoral  in- 
spection of  Mr.  James  Bain,  there  was  a  consider- 
able awakening  at  the  dispensation  of  the  Lord's 
supper  on  the  third  Sabbath  of  July,  1742.  This 
was  particularly  the  case  on  the  Monday,  when 
sermons  were  delivered  by  Mr.  Michael  Potter, 
professor  of  divinity  in  the  University  of  Glasgow, 
and  Mr.  Mackie,  minister  of  St.  Ninians. 
5 


46  REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 

There  were  about  a  hundred  awakened  in  the 
parish  of  Campsie  ;  and  about  the  same  number  in 
the  parish  of  Calder,  in  the  immediate  neighbour- 
hood. The  circumstances  connected  with  the  re- 
vival at  Calder  are  somewhat  remarkable.  Mr. 
Warden,  the  minister,  was  accustomed  to  give  a 
weekly  lecture  in  a  small  village  at  some  distance 
from  the  church.  The  attendance  had  become  so 
very  inconsiderable,  that  he  had  resolved  to  discon- 
tinue it.  The  evening  he  went  to  make  this  an- 
nouncement, to  his  great  amazement  he  found  the 
room  crowded.  Dismayed  at  such  a  multitude, 
and  as  he  had  prepared  no  subject  of  exposition, 
he  retired  into  a  wood  at  a  little  distance,  earnestly 
imploring  Divine  direction  and  blessing.  Imme- 
diately he  returned  to  the  people,  and  preached 
from  these  words  which  had  been  suggested  to 
his  mind  while  in  the  wood — "  Unto  you,  O 
men,  I  call;  and  my  voice  is  to  the  sons  of  men," 
Prov.  viii.  4.  From  this  text  he  opened  up  the 
fulness,  the  freeness,  the  grace  of  the  gospel  pro- 
clamation. The  Holy  {Spirit  accompanied  the 
word  spoken  with  power.  Many  were  brought 
under  His  humbling  influence,  and  ultimately  made 
to  bow  to  the  sceptre  of  Jesus.  On  a  subsequent 
occasion  there  were  about  fourteen  persons  brought 
under  great  concern  and  anxiety  about  their  spi- 
ritual and  eternal  state. 

About  this  time  about  sixteen  young  people  in 
the  town  of  Kirkintilloch  were  observed  to  meet  in 
a  barn  for  prayer.  This  took  place  at  the  sugges- 
tion of  one  of  the  older  boys,  and  was  cordially 
acceded  to  by  the  rest.  This  incident  coming  to 
be  known,  seemed  to  make  deep  impressions  both 
upon  old  and  young.  The  minister  of  the  parish 
was  rejoiced  by  this  movement,  inquired  after  the 


BALDERNOCH,    KIRKINTILLOCH,    ETC.         47 

little  prayer  meeting,  and  frequently  joined  the 
society,  for  giving  direction  and  instruction.  At  the 
dispensatidsn  of  the  Lord's  supper,  in  May  follow- 
ing, Mr.  McLaurin  of  Glasgow,  and  Mr.  Robe  of 
Kilsyth,  preached  on  the  fast-day  preparatory  to 
the  celebration  of  that  solemnity.  Mr.  Burnside, 
the  minister  of  the  parish,  preached  in  the  evening 
of  the  same  day.  The  work  of  conviction  was 
general  and  powerful.  In  the  words  of  Mr.  Robe, 
"  Zion's  mighty  King  did  appear  in  His  glory  and 
majesty,  and  his  arrows  were  sharp  in  the  heart  of 
His  enemies."  About  a  hundred  and  twenty  ap- 
plied to  the  minister,  anxiously  seeking  the  way  to 
Zion  evidendy  with  their  faces  thitherward.  About 
the  same  time  there  were  fourteen  or  fifteen  awa- 
kened at  Cumbernauld,  under  the  preaching  of  Mr. 
Whitefield ;  and  about  eighty  individuals  by  the 
ordinary  ministrations  of  their  own  pastor  Mr. 
Oughterson. 

At  the  dispensation  of  the  supper,  in  St.  Ninians, 
on  the  first  ISabbath  of  August  of  the  same  year, 
there  were  several  awakened  by  means  of  the  ser- 
mons on  the  Saturday,  many  more  on  Sabbath,  and 
a  far  greater  number  on  the  Monday,  which  was, 
on  the  tesUmony  of  Mr.  Robe,  *'  one  of  the  great- 
est days  of  the  Mediator's  power  ever  beheld." 
On  Thursday  immediately  following,  at  the  usual 
week-day  lecture,  a  considerable  number  more 
were  awakened.  Mr.  Mackie,  the  minister  of  the 
parish,  was  instrumental  in  leading  many  of  the 
inquirers  to  the  Lamb  of  God,  who  taketh  away 
the  sin  of  the  world.  Some  time  after,  Mr.  Mackie 
states,  "  that  impressions  upon  the  people  are  far 
from  wearing  off".  Their  behaviour  is  such  that 
their  enemies  themselves  cannot  find  fault  with. 
It  gives  me  great  pleasure  to  hear  them  pray  and 


48 


REVIVALS     OF    RELIGION. 


converse.  Our  audience  is  most  attentive  to  the 
preaching  of  the  word." 

In  the  parish  of  Gargunnoch  there  were  about 
a  hundred  awakened,  the  greater  number  of  whom 
Avere  brought  to  a  state  of  concern  for  their  souls, 
while  attending  the  dispensation  of  the  supper  at 
Kilsyth,  on  the  second  Sabbath  of  July,  or  the  dis- 
pensation of  that  ordinance  at  Campsie,  on  the  last 
Sabbath  of  that  month,  or  at  St.  Ninians,  on  the 
first  Sabbath  of  August.  At  the  week-day  lecture 
on  the  5th  of  August,  there  were  eighteen  awaken- 
ed; and  in  the  week  following  many  more.  In  a 
letter  of  date  17th  March,  the  following  year,  Mr. 
Warden,  the  minister  of  the  parish,  writes — "The 
concern  in  a  ^reat  measure  continues;  fellowship 
meetings  increase;  and  even  the  meetings  for  pray- 
er among  the  children.  The  impression  among 
the  people,  in  general,  is  still  apparent,  by  a  dili- 
gent attendance  upon  ordinances,  love  to  our  God 
and  Redeemer,  and  to  all  the  children  of  our  Lord's 
family  ;  crying  to  Christ,  and  rejoicing  in  Him;  and 
all  this  associated  with  a  sober  and  blameless  walk 
and  conversation.  A  few  are  under  spiritual  con- 
cern in  the  parish  of  Kippen,  and  there  is  some 
stir  in  the  parish  of  Monivaird." 

About  the  same  time,  this  wondrous  work  of  the 
Lord  extended  to  the  parish  of  JVIuthill,  in  Perth- 
shire. Mr.  Halley,  the  minister,  gives  the  follow- 
ing account,  in  a  letter,  addressed  to  Mr.  Robe, 
dated  March,  1743.  "  The  work  of  God  is  going 
forward  in  this  parish.  Many  seem  truly  awakened 
to  a  sense  of  their  condition,  as  connected  with 
eternity.  All  those  with  whom  I  have  conversed, 
appeared  to  be  touched  to  the  very  quick,  the  ar- 
rows of  the  Almighty  shot  to  their  very  hearts; 
trembling  like  the  jailer,  crying  out  against  sin, 


BALDERNOCII,    KIRKINTILLOCH,    ETC.         49 

and  breathing  and  thirsting  after  a  Saviour.  My 
bowels  were  moved  for  them,  and,  I  hope  the 
bowels  of  a  compassionate  Redeemer  were  yearn- 
ing over  them  when  they  were  with  Ephraim  be- 
moaning themselves.  As  a  token  for  future  good, 
a  praying  disposition  among  the  people,  not  only 
contmues,  but  is  upon  the  increase.  Thirteen  so- 
cieties for  prayer,  have  been  recently  instituted, 
and  a  new  one  is  about  to  be  established.  I  cannot 
express  how  much  I  am  charmed  with  the  young 
people.  They  have  now  three  prayer  societies. 
The  members  of  one  of  these  made  me  a  most 
agreeable  visit  upon  the  first  Monday  of  the  year, 
a  day  which  young  people  especially,  usually  spend 
in  mirth  and  folly.  Upwards  of  forty  attended, 
and  continued  in  prayer  and  other  exercises,  till 
about  ten  at  night.  And  oh !  to  hear  the  young 
lambs  crying  after  the  great  Shepherd,  to  hear  them 
pouring  out  their  souls  with  such  fervour,  with 
such  beautiful  expressions,  with  such  copiousness 
and  fulness,  did  not  only  strike  me  with  admiration, 
but  melted  me  into  tears.  I  wished  in  my  heart 
that  all  contradicters,  gainsayers,  and  blasphemers 
of  this  work  of  God,  had  been  where  I  was  that 
night."  In  a  subsequent  letter,  Mr.  Halley  thus 
writes — "  The  concern  in  hearing  the  word,  still 
continues,  though  not  with  such  a  noise  and  outcry- 
ing as  formerly.  And  though  the  public  awaken- 
ings are  not  so  discernible  as  they  were  sometime 
since,  yet  few  Sabbaths  pass,  but  there  are  some 
pricked  in  their  hearts,  and  with  great  anguish  of 
spirit,  crying,  What  shall  we  do  !  A  law-work  is 
still  severe  and  of  long  continuance  with  many, 
but  the  Lord  is  supporting,  helping  to  wait,  and 
keeping  them  thirsting  after  relief  in  Christ." 
In  the  parish  of  Grief,  then  under  the  pastoral 


50  REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 

care  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Drummond,  there  were  many 
awakened,  and  ultimately  made  happy,  in  knowing 
and  believing  the  truth.  Several  praying  societies 
were  formed. 

In  all  the  parishes  in  which  this  revival  made 
any  progress,  a  corresponding  increase  of  practi- 
cal godliness  immediately  became  apparent.  Fel- 
lowship Meetings  were  instituted,  family  religion 
every  where  revived,  Sabbath  desecration  was  dis- 
countenanced, open  profanity,  for  the  most  part, 
disappeared.  The  virtues  of  honesty,  industry, 
and  sobriety,  characterized  the  people,  and  amongst 
the  peculiar  subjects  of  the  revivals,  instances  of 
restitution  not  unfrequentiy  occurred.  These  fruits 
of  holiness  must  have  tended  to  remove  ihe  cavils 
of  the  "  enemy  and  the  avenger,"  during  that  in- 
teresting period,  and  to  this  day,  attested  as  they 
are  by  irrefragable  evidence,  furnish  the  most  satis- 
fying proof,  that  the  work  was  of  God,  and  not  of 
man.  "  Godly  sorrow  for  sin,  universal  hatred  of 
it,  renouncing  their  own  righteousness,  and  em- 
bracing the  righteousness  of  God,  by  faith  in  Jesus 
Christ,  embracing  him  in  all  his  ofiices,  universal 
reformation  of  life,  a  superlative  love  to  the  blessed 
Redeemer,  love  to  all  who  bear  his  image,  love  to- 
wards all  men,  even  to  enemies,  earnest  desires 
and  prayers  for  the  conversion  of  all  others:" — 
"  These,"  says  Mr.  Robe,  "  are  the  happy  fruits 
of  this  blessed  work,  and  sufficiently  demonstrate 
that  it  is  of  the  operation  of  the  Spirit  of  God." 

This  may  be  better  illustrated  by  one  or  two 
examples  of  individual  experience,  taken  from  Mr. 
Robe's  narrative.  "  L.  M.,  aged  about  twenty- 
eight  years,  and  formerly  of  a  blameless  life,  was 
awakened  by  conversing  with  his  brother  under 
spiritual  distress.     On  that  night  he  was  so  deeply 


BALDERNOCH,    KIRKINTILLOCH,  ETC.  51 

affected  that  he  could  not  sleep.  Next  morning, 
his  distress  was  increased  by  reading  that  passage 
of  'Alleine's  Alarm,'  in  which  he  discourseth  of 
God's  being  an  enemy  to  unconverted  sinners, 
which  passage  he  met  with  at  the  first  opening  of 
the  book."  iMr.  Robe  continues — "  he  was  brought 
to  me  the  following  day,  and  though  he  was  a  very 
strong  man,  I  found  his  mental  disquiet  had  greatly 
affected  his  body.  1  observed  that  his  reason  was 
clear  and  undisturbed,  as  he  was  able  to  give  a 
distinct  account  of  himself.  He  was  impressed 
with  particular  sins,  and  in  a  lively  manner  felt 
himself  to  be  a  guilty,  condemned  sinner.  He  had 
a  deep  impression  of  original  sin  and  corruption, 
as  rendering  him  liable  to  eternal  wrath,  even 
though  he  had  not  been  guilty  of  actual  sin.  He 
had  also  a  deep  sense  of  the  hatefulness  of  sin,  as 
committed  against  God,  and  the  sin  of  unbelief,  as 
hardening  his  heart  against  the  voice  of  Christ,  in 
the  reading  or  hearing  of  His  Word.  He  was 
struck  with  dreadful  fears  of  falling  into  the  state  of 
torment,  and  saw  the  great  goodness  and  long  suf- 
fering of  God,  in  not  cutting  him  off  in  the  midst 
of  his  iniquity.  He  was  supported  sometimes  by 
views  of  the  remedy,  Christ  Jesus,  that  He  had 
come  into  the  world  to  save  sinners,  which  he 
desired  to  lay  hold  of,  for  the  ground  of  his  hope. 
He  soon  attained  to  some  composure  of  mind,  in 
essaying  to  close  with  Jesus  Christ."  Conversing 
with  L.  M.  again,  eight  days  after,  Mr.  Robe  writes 
— "  He  declared  that  when  engaged  in  prayer,  he 
felt  his  soul  going  out  in  the  acceptance  of  a  whole 
Christ  as  his  only  Saviour;  his  Prophet  to  teach 
him  by  his  Word  and  Spirit;  his  Priest  to  recon- 
cile him  to  God  by  his  sacrifice ;  his  King  to  sub- 
due his  sin,  sanctify,  and  rule  him.     He  disclaimed 


52  REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 

all  confidence  in  his  duties,  and  desired  to  rely  on 
Him  alone  for  salvation;  withal,  giving  himself  to 
the  Lord  to  be  saved,  upon  his  own  terms,  to  live 
unto  him,  and  to  serve  him  in  newness  of  life — 
resolving  also,  in  the  strength  of  Jesus  Christ,  to 
live  a  holy  life  to  his  glory,  and  yet  not  to  rest  on 
it  as  a  ground  of  peace  and  acceptance.  He  said, 
he  was  greatly  afraid  lest  he  should  fall  back  unto 
sin,  and  be  a  scandal  to  religion,  after  what  God 
had  done  for  him.  He  was  exercised  with  the  fears 
of  hypocrisy  and  presumption  in  receiving  Christ, 
against  which  it  relieved  him  to  look  unto  Christ 
anew  who  came  to  save  the  chief  of  sinners,  and 
who  is  offered  to  him,  in  common  with  all  others." 

"L.  M.,"  says  Mr.  Robe,  "who  was  before 
this  blameless  in  his  life,  is  now  spiritual,  edifying, 
and  exemplary  in  his  ordinary  conversation  and 
deportment." 

One  other  instance  may  be  quoted  from  the  nar- 
rative of  Mr.  Robe; — 

"After  a  sermon  preached  on  the  Monday  of 
the  sacrament,  by  Mr.  Webster  of  Edinburgh,  a 
young  woman  was  brought  to  Mr.  Robe,  who  found 
her  so  filled  with  a  sense  of  the  love  of  God  to  her 
soul,  and  with  love  to  .Tesus  Christ,  that  she  was 
all  in  tears,  and  could  not  refrain  from  weeping 
with  joy.  She  had  been  awakened  at  Kilsyth 
about  the  beginning  of  July,  but  had  obtained  no 
sensible  relief  till  she  heard  Mr.  Webster.  Before 
her  awakening,  she  was  of  a  blameless  life,  but 
when  brought  to  feel  the  spirituality  of  God's  law, 
she  was  filled  with  alarm  on  account  of  the  coming 
wrath.  Sometime  after,  hearing  Mr.  Webster,  she 
Avas  enabled  to  state  distinctly  the  consolation  she 
experienced  in  taking  hold  of  Christ  in  all  his 
offices.     Her  subsequent  conduct  in  life  was  of 


BALDERNOCH,    KIRKINTILLOCH,    ETC.         53 

such  a  kind  as  to  make  it  manifest  that  she  was 
now  born  from  above." 

These  examples  are  produced  from  among  the 
many  that  might  be  selected,  and  furnish  decisive 
evidence  that  the  instructions  delivered  by  the  Pas- 
tors, and  the  experience  of  the  people,  were  of  the 
most  scriptural  kind;  but  it  may  be  interesting  to 
state,  in  Mr.  Robe's  own  words,  what  was  the 
doctrine  that  was  so  zealously  propagated,  and 
which  God's  Holy  Spirit  honoured  so  much: — "  I 
feared  to  daub  or  deal  slightly  with  my  people,  but 
told  great  and  small  that  they  were  by  nature  the 
children  of  the  Devil,  while  they  were  in  the  state 
of  unbelief;  and,  that  if  they  continued  so  to  the 
end,  I  told  them,  in  our  Lord's  plain  terms,  they 
would  be  damned.  I  resolved  that  I  would  cry 
aloud,  and  not  spare,  and  preach  with  the  serious- 
ness and  fervour  of  one  that  knew  that  my  hearers 
must  either  be  prevailed  with  or  be  damned ;  and 
so  that  they  might  discern  I  was  in  good  sadness 
with  them,  and  really  meant  as  I  spoke.  Aware 
that  the  greater  part  of  every  public  audience  is 
secure,  unconcerned,  and  fearless,  I  preached  the 
terrors  of  the  law  in  the  strongest  terms  I  could, 
that  is  to  say,  in  express  Scripture  terms.  Yet  I 
ever  delighted  to  follow  up  such  statements  with  a 
declaration  of  the  gospel  of  the  grace  of  God.  After 
the  law  had  done  its  office,  I  have  seen  the  con- 
gregation in  tears  of  joy  when  the  law  of  grace 
from  Mount  Zion  was  proclaimed."  Such  state- 
ments as  these,  full  of  earnestness  and  faithfulness, 
and  Scripture  simplicity,  joined  with  believing 
prayer,  are  ever  accompanied  more  or  less  with 
Divine  power,  and  in  the  instances  now  related, 
were  so  abundantly  blessed,  as  to  make  it  manifest 
that  they  are  not  the  doctrines  which  man's  wisdom 
6 


54 


EEVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 


teacheth,  but  which  the  Holy  Ghost  teacheth ; — 
the  true  sayings  of  God. 

The  preaching  of  the  other  ministers  was  in 
perfect  agreement  with  this  outhne,  and  the  very 
names  of  many  of  them  are  a  sufficient  guarantee 
for  the  soundness  of  their  doctrines. — Mr.  McLau- 
rin,  Mr.  Gilhes  of  Glasgow,  Mr.  WilUson  of  Dun- 
dee, Mr.  Bonar  of  Torphichen,  Mr.  Whitefield, 
and  many  others,  were  severally  engaged  in  pro- 
moting the  work,  and  have  severally  attested  the 
truth  of  the  facts  that  have  been  related.  They  are 
still  well  known  to  the  Church  by  their  able  and 
judicious  writings.  These  men  acknowledged  that 
the  work  was  of  God.  They  had  the  means  of 
examining  the  experience  and  character  of  those 
who  were  its  subjects.  They  laboured  and  prayed 
that  the  good  work  might  spread  over  the  land,  that 
it  might  fill  the  whole  earth.  And  besides,  there 
is  the  evidence  of  Dr.  Erskine  of  Edinburgh,  who 
was  ordained  in  the  parish  of  Kirkintilloch,  in  the 
year  1744,  and  continued  there  till  1754.  During 
that  period  he  must  have  had  sufficient  opportunity 
of  knowing  the  doctrines  that  had  been  preached, 
and  the  views  and  character  of  those  who  had  been 
awakened,  and  he  has  given  his  recorded  testimony 
to  the  reality  of  this  work ;  and  to  the  fact  that  the 
subjects  of  it  in  that  parish  lived  as  became  the 
followers  of  the  meek  and  lowly  Jesus. — "  The 
memory  of  the  just  is  blessed."  The  men  who 
were  honoured  of  God  to  edify  the  church  during 
this  interesting  period  of  Scottish  history,  have 
long  since  gone  the  way  of  all  the  earth.  "  They 
rest  from  their  labours,  and  their  works  do  follow 
Ihem."  As  they  that  have  turned  many  to  right- 
eousness, they  now  shine  as  the  stars  for  ever  and 
ever. 


BALDERNOCH,    KIRKINTILLOCH,    ETC.  55 

It  is  now  nearly  a  century  since  the  Revival, 
which  has  just  been  related,  took  place;  but  the 
traces  of  it  still  remain — many  prayer  meetings 
exist,  and  not  a  few  of  them  in  Glasgow,  that  can 
date  their  institution  from  the  period  now  referred 
to.  The  work  of  the  Lord  has  been  going  on, 
though  silently,  in  Scotland  ever  since.  Many 
have  been  the  faithful  pastors  that  have  been  instru- 
mental in  gathering  strayed  sheep,  in  feeding  "  the 
flock  of  God,  which  He  has  purchased  with  his 
own  blood."  It  is  the  earnest  and  increasing  prayer 
of  the  friends  who  issue  these  Tracts,  that  the  num- 
ber of  such  faithful  men  may  be  greatly  increased, 
that  the  zeal  of  church  rulers  may  be  extended, 
that  the  exertions  and  prayers  of  the  Christian  peo- 
ple may  be  rendered  more  abundant,  and  more 
fervent ;  that  so  the  church  in  this  land  may  be 
revived,  and  may  yet  appear  "fair  as  the  moon, 
clear  as  the  sun,  and  terrible  as  an  army  with  ban- 
ners." -^ 

Let  every  one  into  whose  hand  this  tract  may 
come,  be  assured,  that  he  is  by  nature  dead  in  tres- 
passes and  sins,  and  that  without  the  experience  of 
the  life-giving  energy  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  he  must 
tor  ever  perish.  Let  him  know  that  there  is  "a 
fountain  opened  for  sin  and  for  uncleanness ;"  let 
him  understand  that  that  fountain  is  the  Redeemer's 
blood.  Let  him,  without  delay,  repair  to  it.  Let 
him  "wash  and  be  clean."  Then,  being  freed 
from  the  curse  of  the  law,  invested  with  the  Re- 
deemer's "robe  of  righteousness,"  dwelt  in  by 
"the  Spirit  of  promise,"  he  will  look  abroad  over 
the  earth,  and  earnestly  breathe  out  the  simple,  yet 
sublime  prayer  of  the  Saviour—"  Thy  kingdom 
come.  Thy  will  be  done  on  earth,  as  it  is  in 
heaven." 


56 


PART   IV. 


STEWARTON,  1625— SHOTTS,  1630. 


The  blessed  promise  of  God  to  his  ancient  church, 
that,  "  when  the  enemy  shoukl  come  in  Uke  a  flood, 
the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  would  lift  up  a  standard 
against  him,"  has  often  been  fulfilled  in  the  expe- 
rience of  the  Church  of  Scotland  throughout  the 
many  eventful  periods  of  her  history.  Soon  after 
the  death  of  Knox,  attempts  were  made  by  the 
enemies  of  the  truth  to  overturn  that  church  order 
and  discipline  which,  under  the  blessing  of  God, 
had  been  established  in  this  country  by  the  great 
Reformer;  but  these  attempts  were  not  permitted 
for  the  time  to  be  successful.  Andrew  Melville 
was  raised  up  to  catch  as  it  were  the  mantle  of  the 
departed  Reformer,  and,  like  him,  in  the  strength 
of  God,  nobly  to  assert  and  defend  the  liberty  of 
the  church  and  her  exclusive  subjection  to  her  Di- 
vine Head.  Nor  was  he  left  to  fight  the  battle 
alone.  Welch  of  Ayr,  the  son-in-law^  of  Knox, 
James  Melville,  and  others  who  might  be  named, 
aided  him  in  contending  earnestly  for  the  faith  once 
delivered  to  the  saints.    They  were  eminently  men 


STEWARTON SHOTTS.  57 

of  prayer,  as  the  history  of  Welch  sufficiently  tes- 
tifies, and  like  the  patriarch,  had  power  with  God 
and  prevailed ;  and  for  a  time  they  were  enabled 
to  defeat  all  the  wiles  of  the  adversary,  and  carry 
forward  the  church  to  a  measure  of  purity  and 
efficiency,  beyond  what  she  had  formerly  attained. 
This  state  of  things  continued  with  slight  inter- 
ruptions till  about  the  period  of  the  ascension  of 
James  to  the  throne  of  England,  when  the  church 
was  again  brought  into  the  furnace  of  affliction. 

Melville  and  Welch,  for  their  faithful  contending, 
were  first  imprisoned,  and  afterw^ards  banished 
their  native  country,  while  those  ministers  who 
were  permitted  to  remain  were  forbidden  to  preach, 
and  grievously  harassed  by  the  infliction  of  heavy 
fines  and  occasional  imprisonment.  This  state  of 
matters  continued  till  the  death  of  James,  and  dur- 
ing the  early  part  of  the  reign  of  Charles  the  first. 
But,  though  the  powers  that  then  were,  had  banish- 
ed and  otherwise  removed  the  ministers,  they  could 
not  destroy  the  efl^ects  of  their  labours  ;  for  being 
faithful  men,  they  had  been  much  honoured  by  the 
great  Head  of  the  Church,  in  the  conversion  of 
souls.  A  spirit  of  prayer  and  supplication  was 
poured  out  upon  their  bereaved  flocks,  and  they 
were  wonderfully  enabled  in  patience  to  possess 
their  souls,  so  that  no  suff'erings,  however  great, 
could  induce  them  to  abandon  those  principles 
which  they  firmly  believed  to  be  the  truth  and 
cause  of  God,  neither  did  they  ever  give  themselves 
entirely  to  despair.  "Nay,"  says  Guthrie,  in  his  me- 
moirs, in  reference  to  this  period,  "  when  the  dark- 
ness was  at  the  greatest,  and  when  to  the  eye  of 
reason  there  seemed  scarcely  a  ray  of  hope,  the 
Presbyterians  declared  that  utter  desolation  shall 
yet  be  to  the  haters  of  the  virgin  daughter  of  Scot- 


58  KEVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 

land.  The  bride  shall  yet  sing  as  in  the  days  of 
her  youth.  The  dry  olive  tree  shall  again  bud, 
and  the  dry  dead  bones  shall  live;  for  the  Lord 
shall  prophesy  to  the  dry  bones,  and  the  Spirit 
shall  come  upon  them,  and  they  shall  live."  "  On- 
waiting,"  says  Rutherford,  "  has  ever  a  blessed 
issue;  and  to  keep  the  word  of  God's  patience, 
keepeth  still  the  saints  dry  in  the  water,  cold  in 
the  fire,  and  breathing  blood-hot  in  the  grave." 

Though  their  efforts  were  as  yet  unavailing  to 
free  the  Church  from  the  bondage  under  which  she 
groaned,  let  it  not  be  imagined  that  they  prayed 
and  fasted  altogether  in  vain.  Many  faithful  minis- 
ters, such  as  Dickson,  Livingstone,  and  Hender- 
son, had  great  boldness  given  them  to  preach  the 
glorious  gospel,  v/hile  standing  forward  amidst 
much  opposition  to  witness  for  the  cause  of  truth. 
The  remarkable  revivals  which  took  place  at  Stew- 
arton,  and  at  the  communion  at  the  Kirk  of  Shotts 
— narratives  of  which  form  the  subject  of  this  tract 
— tended  not  a  little  to  revive  their  drooping  spirits, 
and  increase  their  hope  and  confidence  in  their 
heavenly  Father,  who,  having  thus  *'  appeared  to 
water  his  heritage  when  it  was  weary,"  would  in 
his  own  good  time  and  way  work  out  their  com- 
plete deliverance.  Nor  were  they  disappointed. 
The  deliverance  of  the  Church  was  ultimately  ac- 
complished, and  she  came  out  of  the  furnace  purer 
and  fairer  than  ever — so  much  so,  that  the  state  of 
the  Church  after  the  glorious  second  Reformation 
in  1638  is  still  looked  back  to  as  one  of  the  bright- 
est periods  of  her  history. 

The  awakening  at  Stewarton  having  occurred 
first  in  the  order  of  time,  we  shall  proceed  to  give 
a  detailed  account  of  the  circumstances  connected 
with  it,  as  they  are  to  be  found  in  the  history  of 


STEWARTON SHOTTS. 


59 


those  times.  The  parish  of  Stewarton,  at  the 
period  referred  to,  had  for  its  minister  the  Rev. Mr. 
Castlelaw,  who  appears  from  the  sequel  to  have 
had  the  spiritual  welfare  of  his  flock  very  much  at 
heart;  but  the  principal  instrument  employed  by  the 
great  Head  of  the  Church  in  originating  and  car- 
rying on  this  Revival,  was  the  Rev.  David  Dick- 
son, minister  of  the  neighbouring  parish  of  Irvine. 
Mr.  Dickson  had  been  formerly  Professor  of 
Moral  Philosophy  in  tlie  University  of  Glasgow ; 
but  on  receiving  a  call  from  the  town  of  Irvine  to 
be  their  minister,  he  resigned  his  chair  in  the  col- 
lege, and  was  ordained  to  the  pastoral  office  in  that 
town  in  the  year  1618.  For  four  years  he  con- 
tinued to  labour  there  with  great  acceptance ;  but 
Satan  becoming  alarmed  at  the  inroads  that  were 
making  upon  his  kingdom,  through  means  of  Mr. 
Dickson's  ministry,  stirred  up  the  persecuting  par- 
ty against  him,  who  summoned  him  to  appear 
before  the  High  Commission  Court  at  Edinburgh, 
on  the  9th  of  January,  1622.  On  his  appearance 
before  the  court,  he  was  urged  to  submit  to  those 
arbitrary  measures  they  were  at  this  time  forcing 
on  the  Church.  Upon  his  refusal,  he  was  not  only 
subjected  to  the  most  insulting  and  contemptuous 
treatment,  but  sentenced  to  be  ejected  from  the 
parish  of  Irvine,  and  banished  to  TurrefF,  in  the 
north  of  Scotland,  during  the  pleasure  of  the  court. 
To  all  this  Mr.  Dickson  meekly  replied,  "The 
will  of  the  Lord  be  done;  though  ye  cast  me  off, 
the  Lord  will  take  me  up.  Send  me  whither  you 
will,  I  hope  my  Master  will  go  with  me ;  and  as 
he  has  been  with  me  heretofore,  he  will  be  wdlh  me 
still,  as  being  his  own  weak  servant."  The  Mas- 
ter whom  he  so  dearly  loved  and  so  faithfully 
served  having  much  people  in  Irvine  and  its  vicini- 


60  REVIVALS    OF    EELIGION. 

ty,  who  were  to  be  to  Him  for  a  name  and  a  praise, 
did  not  permit  him  to  remain  long  in  banishment. 
Having  the  hearts  of  all  men  in  his  hand,  turning 
them  whithersoever  he  will,  He  stirred  up  the  Earl 
of  Eglinton,  the  magistrates  and  others  of  the  town 
of  Irvine,  to  petition  for  his  release  from  the  sen- 
tence of  banishment;  and  through  the  overruling 
providence  of  God,  their  request  was  granted,  and 
about  the  end  of  June,  1623,  Mr.  Dickson  was 
permitted  to  return  to  his  flock  without  any  con- 
dition whatever  being  imposed  upon  him. 

After  his  return,  his  ministry  was  singularly 
countenanced  and  honoured  of  God  for  the  convic- 
tion and  conversion  of  multitudes.  Few  ministers 
in  his  day  were  more  useful  in  opening  up  the  way 
of  salvation,  and  leading  souls  to  Christ  as  their 
only  refuge;  so  that  persons  under  deep  exercise 
and  soul  concern  came  from  all  the  parishes  round 
about  Irvine  to  attend  his  preaching,  and  not  a  few 
even  came  from  distant  parts  of  the  country  to 
settle  at  Irvine,  in  order  that  they  might  statedly 
enjoy  the  benefit  of  his  ministry.  The  commu- 
nion seasons,  especially,  were  times  of  great  re- 
freshing from  the  presence  of  the  Lord  and  the 
glory  of  his  power.  The  enjoyment  of  such  a 
privilege  in  other  parts  of  the  country  being  rare, 
caused  these  seasons  at  Stewarton  to  be  attended  by 
the  most  eminent  Christians  from  all  corners  of  the 
land ;  and  so  great  was  the  power  accompanying 
the  preaching  of  the  gospel,  that  few  Sabbaths 
passed  without  some  convincing  proofs  being  given 
of  the  Holy  Spirit's  carrying  home  the  word  spoken 
to  the  hearts  and  consciences  of  the  hearers.  Many 
who  afterwards  became  solid  and  lively  Christians, 
were  so  tilled  with  a  sense  of  the  awful  evil  of  sin, 
and  a  view  of  their  own  vileness  and  unworthiness. 


STEWARTON SHOTTS.  61 

that  they  were  quite  overpowered,  and  had  to  be 
carried  out  of  the  church. 

On  the  Sabbath  evenings  after  sermon,  many- 
persons  under  soul  distress  came  to  Mr.  Dickson 
at  his  house,  with  whom  he  usually  spent  an  hour 
or  two  in  hearing  their  cases,  and  in  comforting 
and  directing  such  as  were  in  doubt  or  despondency. 
Indeed  for  this  department  of  his  ministerial  work 
he  was  remarkably  fitted ;  for  his  Divine  Master 
had  given  him  in  a  very  special  manner  "  the 
tongue  of  the  learned,  that  he  might  know  how  to 
speak  a  word  in  season  to  him  that  was  weary." 

Encouraged  by  these  visible  tokens  of  the  power 
of  the  blessed  Spirit,  Mr.  Dickson  began  a  weekly 
lecture  on  the  Mondays.  That  being  the  market 
day  in  Irvine,  the  town  was  usually  thronged  by 
people  from  the  country ;  but  so  wisely  did  he 
arrange  the  time  when  the  congregation  assembled, 
that  the  lecture  was  usually  over  before  the  market 
began.  The  people  from  the  parish  of  Stewarton, 
especially,  availed  themselves  of  this  privilege;  and 
as  many  of  them  as  v/ere  able  to  travel,  regularly 
attended  Irvine  market  with  some  little  commodi- 
ties for  sale,  their  chief  design  being  to  hear  the 
Monday  lecture.  To  this  they  were  greatly  en- 
couraged by  their  minister,  who  strongly  urged  his 
parishioners  to  avail  themselves  of  the  privilege  of 
hearing  Mr.  Dickson,  and  their  example  stirred  up 
others  in  their  own  and  other  parishes,  who  also 
attended ;  so  that  the  power  of  religion  was  felt 
throughout  that  part  of  the  country. 

Nor  was  this  all.  In  a  large  hall  in  the  manse, 
there  would  often  be  assembled  upwards  of  a  hun- 
dred serious  Christians,  waiting  to  converse  with 
him,  after  the  lecture,  as  to  the  state  of  their  souls, 
and  join  with  him  in  devotional  exercises.     And 


62  EEVIVALS    OF    BELIGION. 

it  was  by  means  of  these  v\^eek-day  discourses  and 
meetings  that  the  famous  Stewarton  Revival  began, 
and  spread  afterwards  from  house  to  house  for  many 
miles  along  the  valley  through  which  the  Stewarton 
water  runs.  Many,  who  had  been  well  known  as 
most  abandoned  characters,  and  mockers  of  every 
thing  bearing  the  semblance  of  religion,  being 
drawn  by  motives  of  curiosity  to  attend  these  lec- 
tures, afterwards  became  completely  changed, 
showing  by  their  life  and  conversation  that  the 
Lord  had  opened  their  hearts  "  to  attend  unto  the 
things  spoken  by  his  servant." 

The  great  enemy  of  souls,  when  he  found  that 
he  could  not  hinder  the  progress  of  this  Revival, 
endeavoured  to  bring  reproach  upon  it,  by  leading 
some  who  seemed  to  be  under  serious  concern 
about  their  souls  into  great  extravagances,  both  in 
the  church  under  sermon,  and  at  private  meetings; 
but  the  Lord  enabled  Mr.  Dickson,  and  others  who 
conversed  with  them,  to  act  so  prudently,  that 
Satan's  design  was  in  a  great  measure  frustrated, 
and  solid,  serious,  practical  religion,  flourished 
greatly — illustrating  in  a  remarkable  manner  what 
is  said  of  God's  ancient  people  in  a  similar  situa- 
tion, "That  the  more  they  were  afflicted,  then^ore 
they  multiplied  and  grew." 

The  pious  Mr.  Robert  Blair,  who  was  at  this 
lime  a  professor  in  the  College  of  Glasgow,  often 
visited  Stewarton  during  the  vacation,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  assisting  in  the  work,  and  conversing  with 
the  people.  When  there,  he  resided  with  the  Lady 
Robertland,  a  person  well  known  in  those  times 
for  her  piety  and  the  interest  she  took  in  the  spirit- 
ual welfare  of  others.  Mr.  Blair  preached  fre- 
quently to  the  people  of  Stewarton,  and  was  very 
useful  in  assisting  in  carrying  forward  the  work 


STEWARTON SHOTTS. 


63 


of  revival.  Many  of  the  people  were  at  first  under 
great  terror  and  deep  exercise  of  conscience,  aris- 
ing from  the  views  they  obtained  of  the  exceeding 
sinfulness  of  sin,  who  afterwards,  through  the 
Spirit's  teaching,  attained  to  sweet  peace  and  strong 
consolation  by  believing  in  Jesus  Christ;  thus 
illustrating  the  promise  of  the  Saviour,  that  when 
the  Spirit  would  come  into  the  hearts  of  sinners  to 
make  them  willing  in  the  day  of  his  power,  he 
would  not  speak  of  himself,  but  take  of  the  things 
of  Christ,  and  show  them  to  their  souls,  that  look- 
ing to  the  finished  work  of  Christ  they  might  see 
how  completely  all  the  demands  of  the  broken 
covenant  had  been  met  and  answered  by  the  blessed 
Redeemer,  and  that  through  this  new  and  living 
way  the  chief  of  sinners  may  now  have  access  by 
one  Spirit  unto  the  Father,  and  so  be  filled  with 
joy  and  peace  in  believing. 

Mr.  Blair  modestly  observes,  "  that  in  these 
conferences  with  the  people  of  Ste  warton  he  thought 
that  he  profited  more  by  conversing  with  them, 
than  they  did  with  him."  Although  formalists 
and  men  not  knowing  the  gospel  brought  against 
them  the  charge  that  was  once  made  against  the 
great  apostle  of  the  Gentiles,  when  he  replied,  I 
am  not  mad,  but  speak  forth  the  words  of  truth  and 
soberness — I  bless  the  Lord,  says  Mr.  Blair,  that 
ever  I  was  acquainted  with  them,  and  for  the  help  I 
received  by  interchanging  letters  with  Mr.  Dickson, 
whereby  I  was  greatly  assisted,  according  to  my 
ability,  to  relieve  them  that  were  in  spiritual  dis- 
tress, and  to  sympathize  tenderly  with  such  as  I 
knew  to  be  tempted,  and  lying  under  heavy  pres- 
sure of  conscience,  so  that  I  still  learned  more  of 
the  wicked  wiles  of  Satan,  and  of  the  blessed  way 
of  God. 


64 


REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 


The  venerable  Principal  Boyd  of  Glasgow,  who 
was  at  this  time  living  in  retirement  on  his  own 
estate  in  Carrick,  came  also  to  visit  this  parish; 
and  having  conversed  with  many  of  the  people,  he 
heartily  blessed  God  for  the  rich  display  of  his 
mercy  towards  them,  and  for  the  manifestations  of 
his  grace  in  them.  Anna,  Countess  of  Eglinton, 
although  bred  in  her  youth  amid  the  splendour  of  a 
court,  was  an  humble  and  eminent  Christian,  and 
exerted  all  her  influence  for  the  promotion  of  the 
interests  of  religion.  Eglinton  Castle  being  often 
a  shelter  for  the  persecuted  ministers  of  the  gospel, 
she  took  a  deep  and  lively  interest  in  the  work  at 
Stewarton,  and  persuaded  her  noble  husband  to 
give  up  for  a  few  days  the  sports  of  the  field  to 
converse  with  some  of  the  people  she  had  invited 
to  the  castle  for  that  purpose.  His  lordship  de- 
clared, after  conferring  with  them,  "that  he  never 
spoke  with  the  like  of  them,  and  wondered  at  the 
wisdom  they  manifested  in  their  conversation." 

This  great  spring- tide  of  the  gospel,  says  Flem- 
ing in  his  work  on  the  Fulfilling  of  the  Scriptures, 
did  not  last  for  a  short  time  merely,  but  continued 
many  years — commencing  about  1 625,  and  ending 
about  1630,  and,  like  a  spreading  stream,  increas- 
ing as  it  flows,  and  fertilizing  all  within  its  reach, 
so  did  the  power  of  godliness  advance  from  one 
place  to  another,  increasing  in  its  progress,  and 
throwing  a  marvellous  lustre  over  those  parts  of 
the  country.  The  fame  of  this  Revival  brought 
many  from  distant  parts  of  the  country,  who,  when 
they  came  and  witnessed  the  gladdening  sight  of 
so  many  turned  from  darkness  to  light,  and  walking 
in  the  fear  of  the  Lord  and  comfort  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  thanked  God  and  took  courage,  and  became 
more  earnest  in  prayer  than  ever  for  the  descent  of 


STEWARTON SHOTTS.  65 

the  Spirit  on  other  parts  of  the  Church.  The 
remembrance  of  the  gracious  promise,  that  "for  all 
these  things  I  will  be  inquired  of  by  the  House  of 
Israel  to  do  it  for  them,"  would  quicken  their 
importunities  at  a  throne  of  grace — that  God  for 
Christ's  sake  would  come  and  visit  that  vine  which 
his  own  right  hand  had  planted,  and  make  it  fruitful 
and  fill  the  whole  land. 

This  brings  us  to  the  Narrative  of  the  Revival 
at  Shotts.  This  Parish  is  situated  in  the  Upper 
Ward  of  Lanarkshire,  and  seems  to  have  enjoyed 
in  these  troublous  times  the  rare  privilege  of  having 
a  stated  minister  amongst  them  disposed  to  promote 
the  interests  of  religion.  Of  his  pastoral  labours 
nothing  is  now  known,  except  in  connection  with 
this  remarkable  Revival.  The  manse,  says  Gillies 
in  his  Collections,  was  at  this  time  situated  where 
the  public  inn  now  stands,  and  being  far  from  any 
place  of  entertainment,  was  often  resorted  to  by 
strangers.  Some  ladies  of  rank,  who  had  occasion 
often  to  travel  that  way,  received  at  different  times 
civilities  from  the  minister,  particularly  on  one 
occasion,  whcnt  heir  carriage  broke  down  near  to 
the  manse,  he  kindly  invited  them  to  alight  and 
remain  at  his  house  till  it  could  be  repaired,  so  as 
to  enable  them  to  proceed  on  their  journey.  During 
their  stay  in  the  house,  they  noticed  that  it  had 
litde  accommodation,  and  was  much  out  of  repair. 
In  gratitude  for  his  kind  attention  to  them,  they  got 
a  new  manse  built  for  the  minister,  and  in  a  better 
situation.  Mr.  Hance,  on  receiving  so  substantial 
a  favour,  waited  on  the  ladies  to  thank  them  for 
their  kindness,  and  wished  to  know  if  there  was 
any  thing  in  his  power  he  could  do  to  testify  his 
gratitude.  The  ladies  loved  the  gospel,  and  the 
persecuted  ministers  who  were  faithfully  witness- 


66 


REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 


ing  for  its  purity.  They  therefore  gladly  seized 
the  opportunity  of  asking  Mr.  Hance  to  invite  such 
of  them  as  they  named  to  assist  at  the  sacrament, 
in  order  that  they  might  enjoy  the  benefit  of  their 
ministrations,  and  also  give  an  opportunity  to  others 
to  partake  of  so  precious  a  privilege,  at  this  time 
rarely  enjoyed.  To  this  the  minister  gladly  con- 
sented; and  information  of  it  spreading  abroad, 
brought  together  an  immense  number  of  choice 
Christians,  from  all  parts  of  the  country,  to  attend 
the  dispensation  of  the  ordinance,  which  was  fixed 
for  Sabbath,  the  20th  June,  1630. 

Nothing  is  now  known  of  the  names  of  the  min- 
isters who  conducted  the  preparatory  exercises, 
nor  of  the  subjects  to  which  they  directed  the  atten- 
tion of  the  people,  but  this,  that  the  venerable  Mr. 
Robert  Bruce  was  one  of  their  number,  and  that 
the  Holy  Spirit  was  evidently  at  work  in  the  hearts 
of  the  worshippers,  much  of  their  time  being  spent 
in  social  prayer  and  spiritual  conference.  Their 
prayers  for  the  ministers  were  heard  in  their  own 
happy  experience;  for  with  great  power  were  they 
enabled  to  witness  of  the  resurrection  of  the  Lord 
Jesus,  and  great  grace  was  upon  them  all.  Much 
of  the  Spirit  of  light  and  love  was  imparted  on  the 
Sabbath  of  communion;  and  so  filled  were  they 
with  joy  and  peace  in  believing,  that  instead  of 
retiring  to  rest  on  the  evening  of  the  communion 
Sabbath,  they  joined  together  in  little  companies, 
and  spent  the  whole  of  the  night  in  devotional 
exercises.  And  there  is  no  doubt  that  while  their 
hearts  were  thus  filled  with  the  love  of  Christ,  they 
would  be  touched  with  the  tenderest  pity  for  the 
situation  of  those  perishing  around  them  strangers 
to  this  love,  and  that  many  fervent  petitions  would 
be  presented  in  their  behalf  at  a  throne  of  grace. 


'STEWARTON SHOTTS.  67 

It  had  not  been  nsual  in  those  times  to  have  ser- 
mon on  the  Monday  after  the  dispensation  of  the 
Lord's  supper;  but  God  had  given  so  much  of  his 
gracious  presence  on  this  occasion,  and  afforded 
his  people  so  much  communion  with  himself,  on 
the  preceding  days,  that  they  knew  not  how  to  part 
on  the  Monday  without  thanksgiving  and  praise. 
And  while  their  hearts  were  thus  warm  with  the 
love  of  God,  some  expressed  their  desire  of  a  ser- 
mon on  the  Monday,  and  were /joined  by  others, 
till  in  a  little  the  desire  became  general.  Mr.  John 
Livingstone,  chaplain  to  the  Countess  of  Wigton, 
(at  that  time  only  a  preacher,  not  an  ordained  minis- 
ter, and  about  twenty-seven  years  of  age,)  was  with 
difficulty  prevailed  on  to  consent  to  give  the  ser- 
mon. The  night  before  had  been  spent  by  him, 
and  most  of  the  Christians  present,  in  prayer  and 
conference  ;  but  when  he  was  alone  in  the  fields  in 
the  morning,  there  came  upon  him  such  a  misgiv- 
ing, under  a  sense  of  unworthiness  and  unfitness  to 
speak  before  so  many  aged  and  worthy  ministers, 
and  eminent  and  experienced  Christians,  that  he  was 
thinking  of  stealing  away,  and  had  actually  gone 
to  some  distance,  and  was  just  about  to  lose  sight 
of  the  kirk,  when  these  words,  ''  Was  I  ever  a 
barren  wilderness,  or  a  land  of  darkness  ?"  were 
brought  into  his  mind  with  such  an  overcoming 
power,  as  constrained  him  to  think  it  his  duty  to 
return  and  comply  with  the  call  to  preach.  He 
accordingly  preached,  with  much  assistance,  for 
about  an  hour  and  a  half,  on  the  points  he  had 
meditated,  from  Ezekiel  xxxvi.  25,  26 — "Then 
will  I  sprinkle  clean  water  upon  you,  and  ye  shall 
be  clean ;  form  all  your  filthiness,  and  from  all 
your  idols,  will  I  cleanse  you.  A  new  heart  also 
will  I  give  you,  and  a  new  spirit  will  I  put  within 


68 


REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 


you ;  and  I  will  take  away  the  stony  heart  out  of 
your  flesh,  and  I  will  give  you  an  heart  of  flesh." 

As  he  was  about  to  close  the  discourse,  a  heavy 
shower  came  suddenly  on,  which  made  the  people 
hastily  take  to  their  cloaks  and  mantles,  and  he 
proceeded  to  speak  to  the  following  purpose  : — "  If 
a  few  drops  of  rain  so  discompose  you,  how  dis- 
composed would  you  be — how  full  of  horror  and 
despair,  if  God  should  deal  with  you  as  you  de- 
serve? and  thus  he  will  deal  with  all  the  finally 
impenitent.  God  might  jusdy  rain  fire  and  brim- 
stone upon  you,  as  he  did  upon  Sodom  and  Go- 
morrah, and  the  other  cities  of  the  plain.  But,  for 
ever  blessed  be  his  name!  the  door  of  mercy  still 
stands  open  for  such  as  you  are.  The  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  by  tabernacling  in  our  nature,  and  obeying 
that  law  which  we  have  wickedly  and  wilfully 
broken,  and  suffering  that  punishment  we  have  so 
richly  deserved,  has  now  become  a  refuge  from  the 
storm,  and  a  covert  from  the  tempest  of  Divine 
wrath,  due  to  us  for  sin.  His  merits  and  media- 
tion are  the  alone  defence  from  that  storm,  and  none 
but  those  who  come  to  Christ  just  as  they  are, 
empty  of  every  thing,  and  take  the  offered  mercy 
at  his  hand,  will  have  the  benefit  of  this  shelter." 
In  such  expressions,  and  ir.any  others,  was  he  led 
on  for  about  an  hour,  (after  he  had  finished  what 
he  had  premeditated,)  in  a  strain  of  exhortation  and 
warning,  with  great  enlargement  and  melting  of 
heart,  and  with  such  visible  impressions  on  his 
audience,  as  made  it  evident  that  the  power  of  God 
was  present  with  them.  And,  indeed,  so  great 
was  the  power  of  God  manifested  on  the  occasion, 
that  about  five  hundred  persons  were  converted, 
principally  by  means  of  this  sermon. 

Of  this  day's  exercises  Mr.   Livingstone   has 


STEWARTON SHOTTS.  69 

himself  left  the  following  memorandum: — "  The 
day  in  all  my  life  wherein  I  found  most  of  the 
presence  of  God  in  preaching,  was  on  a  Monday 
after  the  communion,  in  the  churchyard  of  Sholts, 
June  21,  1630.  The  night  before,  I  had  been  in 
company  with  some  Christians,  who  spent  the 
night  in  prayer  and  conference.  When  I  was  alone 
in  the  fields  in  the  morning,  before  the  time  of  ser- 
mon, there  came  such  a  misgiving  of  spirit  upon 
me,  considering  my  own  unworihiness  and  weak- 
ness, and  the  multitude  and  expectation  of  the 
people,  that  I  was  consulting  with  myself  to  have 
stolen  away  and  declined  preaching;  but  I  thought 
I  durst  not  so  distrust  God,  and  so  went  to  sermon, 
and  got  good  assistance  about  one  hour  and  a  half 
upon  the  points  which  I  had  meditated  on.  And 
in  the  end,  offering  to  close  with  some  words  of 
exhortation,  I  was  led  on  about  an  hour's  time  in  a 
strain  of  exhortation  and  warning,  with  such  liber- 
ty and  melting  of  heart,  as  I  never  had  the  like  in 
public  all  my  lifetime.  Some  litde  of  that  stamp 
remained  on  the  Thursday  after,  when  I  preached 
at  Kilmarnock;  but  the  very  Monday  following, 
preaching  at  Irvine,  I  was  so  deserted,  that  the 
points  I  had  meditated  and  written,  and  which  I 
had  fully  in  my  memory,  I  was  not  able  to  get  pro- 
nounced— so  it  pleased  the  Lord  to  counterbalance 
his  dealings,  and  to  hide  pride  from  man." 

Of  the  effects  of  this  work,  Mr.  Fleming,  then 
minister  of  Cambuslang,  writes — "  I  can  speak  on 
sure  grounds,  that  about  five  hundred  had  at  that 
time  a  discernible  change  wrought  in  them,  of 
whom  most  proved  lively  Christians.  It  was  the 
sowing  of  a  seed  through  Clydesdale,  so  as  many 
of  the  most  eminent  Christians  in  that  country  could 
date  either  their  conversion,  or  some  remarkable 
7 


70 


REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 


confirmation  from  it:  and  this  was  the  more  re- 
markable, that  one,  after  much  reluctance,  by  a 
special  and  unexpected  providence,  was  called  upon 
to  preach  that  sermon  on  the  Monday,  which  was 
not  usually  practised.  And  the  night  before  being 
spent  in  prayer,  the  Monday's  work  might  be  dis- 
cerned as  a  convincing  return  of  prayer." 

The  following  particular  instance  of  the  mercy 
of  God  on  this  occasion  is  well  attested: — On  that 
remarkable  Monday,  three  young  gentlemen  be- 
longing to  Glasgow,  had  made  an  appointment  to 
go  to  Edinburgh,  to  attend  the  public  amusements. 
Having  alighted  at  Shotts  to  take  breakfast,  one  of 
their  number  proposed  to  go  and  hear  sermon,  pro- 
bably more  from  curiosity  than  any  other  motive. 
And  for  greater  expedition,  they  arranged  to  come 
away  just  at  the  end  of  the  sermon,  before  the  last 
prayer.  But  the  power  of  God  was  so  felt  by 
them,  accompanying  the  sermon,  that  they  could 
not  come  away  till  all  was  over.  When  they  re- 
turned to  take  their  horses,  they  called  for  some 
refreshment  before  they  mounted ;  but  when  it  was 
set  upon  the  table,  they  all  looked  to  one  another, 
none  of  them  daring  to  touch  it  till  a  blessing  was 
asked  ;  and  as  they  were  not  accustomed  formerly 
to  attend  to  such  things,  one  of  them  at  last  re- 
marked, "  I  think  we  should  ask  a  blessing."  The 
others  assented  at  once  to  this  proposal,  and  put  it 
on  one  of  their  number  to  do  it,  to  which  he  readi- 
ly consented.  And  when  they  had  done,  they 
could  not  rise  until  another  should  return  thanks. 
They  went  on  their  way  more  sedately  than  they 
used  to  do,  but  none  of  them  mentioned  their  in- 
ward concern  to  the  others — only  now  and  then 
one  would  say,  "  Was  it  not  a  great  sermon  we 
heard?"     Another  would  answer,  "  I  never  heard 


STEWARTON SHOTTS. 


71 


the  like  of  it."  They  went  to  Edinburgh :  but 
instead  of  attending  the  amusements,  they  kept 
their  rooms  the  greater  part  of  the  time  they  were 
there,  which  was  only  about  two  days,  when  they 
were  all  quite  weary  of  Edinburgh,  and  proposed 
to  return  home.  Upon  the  way  home,  they  did 
not  discover  the  state  of  their  minds  to  one  another; 
and  after  arriving  in  Glasgow,  they  kept  their 
rooms  very  much,  coming  seldom  out.  At  last 
one  of  them  made  a  visit  to  another,  and  declared 
to  him  what  God  had  done  for  him  at  Sholts.  The 
other  frankly  owned  the  concern  that  he  had  been 
brought  under  at  the  same  time ;  and  both  of  them 
proceeding  to  the  third,  and  finding  him  in  the 
same  state  of  mind,  they  all  three  agreed  imme- 
diately to  begin  a  fellowship  meeting.  They  con- 
tinued to  have  a  practice  suitable  to  their  profes- 
sion for  the  remainder  of  their  lives,  and  became 
eminently  useful  in  their  day  and  generation. 

Another  instance,  equally  well  authenticated,  is 
related  of  a  poor  man,  a  coachman  in  Glasgow, 
employed  by  a  lady  to  drive  her  conveyance  to  the 
Shotts.  During  the  sermon,  he  had  taken  out  his 
horse  to  feed  at  a  small  distance  from  the  tents; 
and  when  the  pov/er  of  God  was  so  much  felt 
during  the  latter  part  of  the  sermon,  he  apprehend- 
ed that  there  was  a  more  than  ordinary  concern 
among  the  people.  He  felt  something  strike  him 
in  such  a  way  as  he  could  not  account  for.  He 
hastily  rose  up  and  ran  into  the  congregation,  where 
he  was  made  a  sharer  of  what  God  was  distributing 
among  them  that  day. 

The  following  important  testimony  to  the  after 
life  and  conversation  of  many  of  the  persons  brought 
under  the  power  of  religion  on  this  remarkable 
occasion  is  given  by  Mr.  Andrew  Gray  of  Chrys- 


72 


EEVIVALS     OF    RELIGION. 


ton,  an  eminently  pious  old  gentleman,  in  a  letter 
embodied  in  Gillies'  Collection: — 

"  Notwithstanding  the  blessed  Reformation  from 
popery,  which  God  brought  about  by  the  endea- 
vours of  a  few,  the  bulk  of  the  country  continued 
in  much  ignorance  and  immorality.  But  two  springs 
of  the  revival  of  religion  in  this  corner,  were  the 
famous  sermon  at  the  Kirk  of  Shotts,  and  the 
labours  of  Mr.  Robert  Bruce.  At  the  sermon  at 
Shotts,  a  good  number  of  people  were  by  grace 
made  acquainted  with  the  life  and  power  of  reli- 
gion— many  of  them  became  eminently  good  men, 
and  remarkable  not  only  for  a  pious,  inoffensive 
behaviour,  but  also  for  abounding  in  all  the  good 
fruits  which  pure  and  undefiled  religion  enables  its 
sincere  followers  to  perform.  Among  other  good 
fruits,  you  cannot  doubt  a  strong  inclination  to 
promote  the  spiritual  good  of  others  was  a  princi- 
pal one.  As  the  labourers  were  then  few  in  this 
part  of  God's  vineyard,  he  seemed  to  have  inspired 
these  private  Christians  with  an  uncommon  degree 
of  love  to  the  souls  of  men — inciting  them  to  la- 
bour, by  all  proper  methods,  to  bring  others  to  the 
knowledge  of  that  grace  which  had  produced  such 
blessed  effects  on  themselves:  and  their  labours 
were  not  without  a  considerable  effect.  They  were 
called  the  Puritans  of  the  Muir  of  Bothwell,  per- 
haps by  way  of  reproach,  by  those  who  were  ill 
affected  towards  them.  Some  relations  of  mine 
were  much  the  belter  for  having  conversed  with 
them.  I  have  seen  some  of  those  people  myself, 
who  lived  to  a  great  age,  and  have  conversed  with 
many  good  people  at  this  house,  who  had  been 
very  well  acquainted  with  them." 

In  conclusion,  it  is  very  worthy  of  notice,  that, 
previous  to  the  revival  at  Shotts,  there  had  been 


STEWARTON SHOTTS.  73 

much  fervent  prayer  on  the  part  of  the  preacher, 
and  prolonged  social  prayer  on  the  part  of  the 
people.  And  it  has  been  well  remarked  by  a  late 
writer,  that  while  God  sometimes  works  without 
his  people,  he  never  refuses  to  work  with  them. 
Certain  it  is,  that  when  the  hearts  of  his  children 
are  united  and  enlarged  in  prayer  for  a  blessing  on 
the  ministrations  of  their  pastors,  the  blessing  will 
not  be  withheld.  God  is  more  ready  to  give  than 
we  are  to  ask.  And  it  may  truly  be  said,  that  if  we 
have  not  now  such  glorious  displays  of  God's  pow- 
er, it  is  simply  "because  we  ask  not,"  or  asking, 
we  ♦' ask  not  in  faith,"  forgetting  the  Saviour's 
solemn  promise,  "Verily,  verily  I  say  unto  you, 
Whatsoever  ye  shall  ask  the  Father  in  my  name 
he  will  give  it  you.  Hitherto  have  ye  asked  no- 
thing in  my  name:  ask  and  ye  shall  receive,  that 
your  joy  may  be  full." 

Reader!  are  you  a  stranger  to  the  exercise  of 
believing  prayer?  Remain  not  a  moment  longer, 
we  beseech  you,  in  such  an  awful  condition.  Know 
that  to  you  7iow  is  the  word  of  salvation  sent;  and 
for  your  encouragement  we  tell  you  from  the  Bible 
— God  so  loved  the  world  that  he  gave  his  only 
begotten  Son,  that  whosoever  believeth  in  hira 
should  not  perish  but  have  everlasting  life.  This 
is  a  faithful  saying,  and  worthy  of  all  acceptation, 
that  Christ  Jesus  came  into  the  world  to  save 
sinners. 


74 


PART  V. 


ISLAND   OF   ARRAN, 

IKTBIUG   THE   TEAKS  1804,   &CC.  BOI   ESPECIALLY   IN    1812,    1813 

By  the  Rev,  Angus  McMillan,  Minister  of  Kilraorie. 


Thirty  years  ago,  the  state  of  religion  in  this  island 
was  exceedingly  low.  "Darkness  covered  the 
land,  and  gross  darkness  the  people."  But,  through 
the  tender  mercy  of  God,  the  day-spring  from  on 
high  visited  it.  Divine  light  arose  on  them  that 
sat  in  darkness,  and  the  cause  of  Christ  has  gained 
much  ground  in  this  part  of  his  vineyard,  since  the 
year  1804.  In  that  year,  and  the  year  following, 
many  were  awakened  at  the  north  end  of  the  island, 
especially  about  the  farms  of  Sannox  and  their 
neighbourhood.  And  although  this  awakening,  as 
to  its  power  and  progress,  w^as  not  of  long  con- 
tinuance, yet  a  considerable  number  of  the  subjects 
of  it  testified,  by  their  after  lives  and  conversation, 
that  they  had  undergone  a  gracious  change.  This 
day  of  small  things  was  the  commencement  of  the 
revival  which  followed.  From  this  time,  a  change 
for  the  better  might  be  observed  in  the  religious 
sentiments  and  conduct  of  many  among  the  people. 


ISLAND    OF    ARRAN. 


75 


Many  seemed  now  to  be  awakened  from  the  slum- 
ber of  spiritual  death ;  being  disposed  to  attend  to 
the  things  which  belong  to  their  everlasting  peace. 
Their  eyes  were  now  opened  to  see  the  evil  of 
their  former  wicked  ways,  their  perishing  condition 
as  sinners,  and  their  need  of  Christ  as  a  Saviour. 
They  now  began  also  to  distingmshhetween  truth 
and  error;  to  relish  evangelical  doctrine  ;  to  attend 
with  diligence  on  the  means  of  grace;  and,  in 
general,  to  set  up  the  worship  of  God,  morning 
and  evening,  in  their  families.  Religious  meet- 
ings were  also  set  up  in  many  places;  and,  in  the 
course  of  a  few  years,  a  kind  of  reformation  was 
thus  visible  throughout  many  parts  of  the  island. 
This  was  the  case  more  especially,  though  not 
exclusively,  in  the  parish  of  Kilmorie,  which  was 
at  this  time  favoured  with  the  ministry  of  the  late 
pious  and  laborious  Mr.  McBride.  It  may  be 
remarked,  respecting  his  usual  style  of  preaching, 
that  he  was  by  no  means  what  might  be  called  an 
alarming  preacher,  but  rather  the  opposite.  His 
sermons  were  frequently  close  and  searching;  but 
he  dwelt  more  on  the  consolations  of  the  gospel 
than  on  the  terrors  of  the  law;  and  the  excitement 
seemed  to  be,  in  general,  greater  under  the  ser- 
mons in  which  the  riches  of  Divine  grace  and  the 
consolations  of  the  gospel  were  exhibited,  than 
under  such  as  were  more  awful,  and  apparently 
better  fitted  to  awaken.  Mr.  McBride's  manner  of 
preaching  was  very  much  distinguished  for  seri- 
ousness, fervour,  and  great  zeal  for  the  salvation  of 
sinners ;  and  this  often  led  him  to  make  very  close 
appeals  to  the  conscience.  But  the  revival  itself 
was  not  of  a  sudden.  It  was  gradual,  and  spread 
from  one  place  to  another.  Neither  was  it  in  all 
cases  saving  as  to  its  effects.  Many  under  it 
assumed  a  form  of  godliness,  who  were  altogether 


76  REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 

destitute  of  its  power.  In  other  cases,  however, 
there  was  something  more  deep  and  precious-^ 
even  the  quickening,  saving,  and  soul-transforming 
influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  During  its  progress, 
a  considerable  number  were  accordingly  brought 
under  deep  convictions  of  their  guilt  and  unworlhi- 
ness  as  sinners,  of  their  liability  to  eternal  misery, 
and  of  their  utter  helplessness  as  concerned  them- 
selves. Now,  they  began  in  earnest  to  say, 
"  What  shall  we  do  to  be  saved  ?" — and  to  count 
all  things  but  loss  for  the  excellency  of  the  know- 
ledge of  Christ  Jesus ;  for  an  interest  in  him.  And 
the  God  of  all  grace,  who  thus  visited  them  with 
the  awakening  influences  of  his  Spirit,  was  pleased 
also  to  enlighten  their  minds  as  to  the  way  of  sal- 
vation ;  and  thus  to  lead  them  by  faith  for  peace 
and  rest  to  the  only  Saviour  of  Sinners.  And  being 
thus  quickened,  enlightened,  and  comforted,  by  the 
teaching  of  the  same  Spirit,  they  were  also  united 
together  in  the  bonds  of  love  and  Christian  fellow- 
ship, while  they  travelled  together  Zionward. 

The  subjects  of  these  spiritual  influences  were, 
however,  only  as  a  Hide  flock,  when  compared 
with  the  multitude  who  remained  yet  stout-hearted 
and  far  from  righteousness.  And  these,  becoming 
impatient  under  the  restraints  which  the  late  refor- 
mation had  laid  upon  them,  with  regard  to  unholy 
practices,  began  to  break  out  anew  with  greater 
violence;  so  that,  in  1810  and  1811,  many  were 
bolder  in  sin,  and  more  abandoned  to  wickedness, 
than  they  had  been  at  any  former  period.  The 
enemy  of  souls  now  came  in  as  a  flood  and  threat- 
ened to  carry  all  before  him.  It  is  right,  however, 
to  observe,  that  this  was  in  no  respect  true  of  pro- 
fessors, or  of  such  as  there  was  reason  to  believe 
had  been  the  subjects  of  Divine  grace.  These 
were  for  the  most  part  remarkably  consistent  in 


ISLAND    OF    ARRAN. 


77 


their  walk  and  conversation.  The  breaking  out  of 
sin,  here  referred  to,  was  among  the  bulk  of  the 
people,  who  made  no  particular  profession  of  reli- 
gion, and  especially  among  the  young,  who  had 
been  brought  under  temporary  restraint. 

These  circumstances,  however,  affected  the  ten- 
der-hearted, and  stirred  up  the  pious  zeal  of  Mr. 
McBride,  and  led  him  to  be  even  more  earnest  in 
his  warnings  and  remonstrances  from  the  pulpit, 
and  otherwise,  against  abounding  iniquity.  The 
little  flock  of  tender-hearted  Christians,  scattered 
throughout  his  parish,  were,  at  the  same  time 
moved  with  a  sense  of  the  prevalence  of  sin,  and  the 
desolations  of  Zion.  They  felt  an  increased  concern 
for  the  conversion  and  salvation  of  sinners,  and  a 
deeper  interest  in  the  prosperity  and  enlargement 
of  the  kingdom  of  Christ.  They  began  to  be  more 
frequent  and  earnest  in  their  supplications  at  a 
throne  of  grace  for  a  time  of  revival — of  refreshing 
from  the  presence  of  the  Lord.  Several  litde  par- 
ties of  them  by  mutual  consent,  set  apart  some 
days  for  private  fasting  and  prayer,  sending  up  their 
united  supplications  to  the  Hearer  of  prayer,  for 
the  down-pouring  of  the  Spirit  in  his  awakening 
and  converting  influences  on  sinners  around  them. 
They  kept  several  such  days  for  nearly  a  twelve- 
month before  the  commencement  of  what  is  gene- 
rally called,  "  The  Revival  of  Religion  in  Arran." 
In  these  devotional  exercises,  some  of  them  enjoyed 
uncommon  nearness  to  God,  and  great  freedom  at 
a  throne  of  grace,  when  pouring  out  their  hearts, 
in  earnest  supplication,  for  the  manifestation  of 
Divine  power  and  glory  in  the  sanctuary,  especially 
in  the  congregation  with  which  they  were  them- 
selves connected.  Their  minds  were  much  stirred 
up  to  press  after  these  things  in  secret,  and  at  their 
8 


78 


REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 


fellowship  meetings,  and  also  when  attending  pub- 
lic ordinances.  They  seemed  to  be  animated  by 
the  spirit  of  him  who  said,  "For  Zion's  sake  I 
will  not  hold  my  peace,  and  for  Jerusalem's  sake 
I  wmII  not  rest,  until  the  righteousness  thereof  go 
forth  as  brightness,  and  the  salvation  thereof  as  a 
lamp  that  burneth." 

While  this  little  flock  of  Christ,  and  their  pastor 
at  their  head,  w^ere  thus  engaged,  and  about  the 
beginning  of  March,  1812,  the  Lord  began  to  work 
in  an  unusual  way  among  them,  in  a  way  of  which 
they  had  not  till  this  time  any  expectation,  and 
which,  accordingly,  caused  some  surprise.  It  was 
at  this  time  that  the  outcrying  commenced,  which 
was  afterwards  so  common  for  a  considerable  time. 
It  began  at  first  in  some  private  meetings,  but  after- 
wards extended  to  the  public  assembly  under  Mr. 
McBride's  ministry.  What  made  the  thing  the 
more  remarkable  was,  that  if  made  its  first  ap- 
pearance among  the  people  of  God.  Yea,  the 
most  tender,  humble,  and  spiritually  minded  among 
them,  were  the  first  affected  in  this  manner,  and  it 
continued  for  a  short  time  among  them  only.  But 
the  influence  which  appeared  first  moving  on  them, 
in  this  unusual  way  was  soon  extended  to  others ; 
and  the  next  subjects  of  it  were  those  who  had 
been  before  seriously  disposed,  or  who  had  been 
at  one  time  or  other  under  serious  impressions. 
But,  soon  after,  it  was  extended  to  the  gay  and 
thoughdess,  the  moral,  and  the  openly  wdcked. 
Persons  of  almost  every  description  and  age,  from 
nine  years  or  under,  to  that  of  sixty  or  upwards, 
were  affected;  but  the  number  of  old  people  was 
small  compared  with  that  of  the  young.  The  cry- 
ing at  first,  and  while  confined  to  the  people  of 
God,  was  attended  w^ith  very  litde  bodily  agitation ; 


ISLAND    OF    ARRAN.  79 

but  after  others  were  affected,  it  was  generally 
attended  with  these — such  as  panting,  trembling, 
and  other  convulsive  appearances. 

The  writer  of  these  pages  did  not  reside  in  Arran 
till  about  six  months  after  the  commencement  of 
this  revival ;  but  he  inquired  particularly  concern- 
ing the  beginning  of  it,  from  such  as  were  best 
able  to  inform  him,  and  is  satisfied,  in  his  own 
mind,  that  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  was  at  work  in 
preparing  for  it — that  his  mighty  power  was  reveal- 
ed in  the  commencement  of  it — and  that  he  had  a 
gracious  and  merciful  design  in  ordering  the  cir- 
cumstances of  it.     Although  this  revival   did  in 
some  measure  degenerate  latterly  through  the  weak- 
ness and  folly  of  men,  yet  the  beginning  of  it  Vv'as 
truly  the  doing  of  the  Lord,  and  marvellous  in  our 
eyes.     Some,  who  were  among  the  first  afifected, 
told  the  v^riter,  that  they  had  not  the  most  remote 
idea  of  crying  out,  before  they  were  constrained  to 
do  so.     So  much  was  this  the  case,  that  they  said 
they  could  not  have  refrained,  even  if  they  had  been 
threatened  with  instant  death.     They  added,  that 
their  outcry  ings  and  bodily  agitations  arose  entirely 
from  the  state  of  their  minds,  when  powerfully 
impressed  and  affected  with  a  sense  .of  divine  truth. 
But  it  is  proper  to  observe,  that  the  writer  is  here 
speaking  only  of  such  as  were  lively,  exercised 
Christians  previous  to  this  revival.     On  examining 
others,  who  knew  nothing  of  Christian  experience 
before  the  beginning  of  this  work,  he  found  that 
the  first  impressions  of  many  of  them  were  accom- 
panied with  deep  convictions  of  sin,  with  a  painful 
sense  of  their  helplessness  and  misery  as  sinners, 
and  also  with  earnest  desires  after  an   interest  in 
Christ;  which  it  is  to  be  hoped   many  of  them 
attained.     But  it  must  be  acknowledged,  that  the 


80  REVIVALS    OF   RELIGION. 

accounts  given  by  all  were  not  alike  satisfactory. 
Many  were  deeply  affected  externally,  who  could 
give  little  account  of  the  matter.  Their  affections 
were  moved,  but  convictions  of  sin  did  not  take 
any  deep  hold  on  their  hearts  and  consciences,  and 
so  their  awakenings  soon  passed  away;  at  least, 
it  was  so  with  some.  But  if  there  be  joy  in  heaven 
over  even  one  sinner  that  repenteth,  we  have  reason 
to  think  that  there  must  have  been  much  joy,  in 
that  world  of  light  and  love,  over  many  that  were 
brought  to  true  repentance,  in  this  place,  during 
the  progress  of  that  work. 

About  the  beginning  of  1812,  the  awakening  be- 
came general,  and  continued  to  make  progress  about 
three  months.  After  this,  it  seemed  to  be  at  a  stand, 
till  the  beginning  of  the  following  December,  when 
it  again  revived,  and  continued  to  spread  consider- 
ably for  about  three  months  more;  durijig  which 
period  it  extended  over  a  great  part  of  the  parish  of 
Kilmorie,  which  is  nearly  thirty  miles  long,  and  it 
extended  also  to  some  parts  of  the  parish  of  Kil- 
bride. The  writer  cannot  pretend  to  give  the  exact 
number  of  the  subjects  of  this  awakening;  but  the 
number,  from  first  to  last,  was  very  considerable. 
It  must  have  amounted  to  two  or  three  hundred 
persons,  old  and  young  taken  together.  He  may 
state  them  at  two  hundred  and  fifty ;  which  is  ra- 
ther below  than  above  the  real  number.  But  he 
does  not  mean  to  insinuate  that  the  whole  of  these 
proved  true  believers.  This  will  appear  from  the 
statements  already  made. 

For  some  months  after  the  commencement  of  the 
awakening,  the  subjects  of  it  manifested  an  uncom- 
mon thirst  after  the  means  of  grace.  Both  old  and 
young  flocked  in  multitudes  to  hear  the  word  of 
God.     His  house,  and  the  place  employed  for  pri- 


ISLAND    OF    ARRAN. 


81 


vate  meetings,  were  frequently  so  crowded,  that 
the  people,  as  it  were,  trod  one  on  another.  To 
travel  ten  or  fifteen  miles  to  hear  sermon,  was  con- 
sidered as  a  very  small  matter ;  and  after  sermon 
was  over,  it  was  no  uncommon  thing  for  many  of 
them  to  meet  together  in  private  houses,  or  in 
barns,  and  to  spend  several  hours  in  religious  exer- 
cises. Some  of  them  spent  even  whole  nights  in 
this  way.  They  also  longed  for  the  return  of  the 
Sabbath.  They  rejoiced  when  it  was  said  unto 
them,  "  Let  us  go  into  the  house  of  the  Lord." 
They  eagerly  sought  after  renewed  opportunities  of 
receiving  spiritual  instruction.  Their  desire  was 
so  great  as  not  to  be  easily  satisfied.  In  our  reli- 
gious assemblies,  at  this  time,  some  might  be  seen 
filled  with  divine  love,  others  with  fear;  some  re- 
joicing in  hope  of  the  glory  of  God,  and  others 
trembling  lest  they  should  come  short  of  it;  some 
crying  out  in  accents  of  praise,  and  others  indicat- 
ing, by  their  cries,  their  dread  of  everlasting  wrath. 
At  this  time,  our  meetings  were  frequent,  and  well 
attended ;  and  almost  every  sermon  seemed  to  be 
efl^ective  in  awakening,  quickening,  or  refreshing. 
Satan  and  his  agents,  indeed,  made  strong  efforts 
to  counteract  the  designs  and  operations  of  the  Spi- 
rit of  God,  by  throwing  all  manner  of  stumbling- 
blocks  in  the  way  of  his  people ;  but,  notwithstand- 
ing all  the  opposition  of  earth  and  hell,  the  word  of 
the  Lord  grew  and  multiplied.  Some  who  were  live- 
ly Christians  before,  enjoyed  at  this  time  much  of  the 
refreshing  influences  of  the  Spirit,  and  were  often 
filled,  in  an  extraordinary  measure,  with  peace  and 
joy  in  believing.  As  illustrative  of  this,  I  may 
mention,  that,  in  the  spring  of  1813,  I  was  cate- 
chizing one  day  at  a  particular  farm,  in  the  district 
of ,  and  when  speaking  of  the  character  of 


82 


REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 


Christ  as  the  Redeemer  of  God's  elect,  and  attempt- 
ing to  describe  the  preciousness  of  his  blood,  and 
the  riches  of  his  grace,  an  excellent  Christian,  who 
is  now  in  the  world  of  spirits,  cried  out,  in  an  ele- 
vated tone  of  voice,  "  O  the  infinite  virtue  of  the 
blood  of  Christ — the  preciousness  of  his  blood! 
What  am  I,  what  am  I,  that  he  should  ever  spend 
one  thought  concerning  me!  O  my  nothingness, 
my  nothingness,  my  nothingness  !"  And,  soon 
after,  she  exclaimed,  "  I  shall  soon  be  with  thee, 
I  shall  soon  be  with  thee — be  for  ever  with 
the  Lord !"  I  have  seen  others,  also,  on  va- 
rious occasions,  affected  much  in  the  same  way. 
And  these  ecstasies  of  spiritual  joy,  among  the 
people  of  God,  were  generally  accompanied  vnth 
great  humility  and  tenderness  of  spirit.  In- 
stead of  being  pufled  up,  they  were,  on  the  con- 
trary, bowed  down  to  the  very  dust,  under  a 
sense  of  their  privileges.  When  the  glory  of  the 
King  of  Zion  was  manifested  to  their  souls,  in  the 
light  of  the  Spirit,  they  were  ready  to  exclaim, 
with  Job,  "  Wherefore  I  abhor  myself,  and  repent 
in  dust  and  ashes."  I  have  heard  others,  under 
awakenings  of  conscience,  cry  out,  "  O  what  shall 
we  do?  what  shall  we  do?  Wash  us  from  sin; 
let  us  not  deceive  ourselves,  for  we  cannot  deceive 
thee."  It  was  pleasing  thus  to  see  many  of  them 
really  afraid  of  self-deception,  and  earnest  in  their 
inquiries  after  the  only  sure  foundation,  the  only 
hope  set  before  them  in  the  gospel. 

In  the  spring  of  1813,  this  awakening,  however, 
began  to  decline,  and  ceased  very  soon  after;  but 
those  who  were  truly  Christians,  continued  to  en- 
joy, both  in  secret  duties  and  at  public  ordinances, 
renewed  and  manifest  tokens  of  the  Divine  pre- 
sence and  favour.     This  was  especially  the  case 


ISLAND    OF    AERAN.  83 

on  sacramental  occasions ;  at  which  they  were 
favoured  with  the  assistance  of  some  of  the  most 
pious  ministers  of  the  clay.  Most  of  these  having  now 
departed  this  life,  I  am  enabled  to  name  the  greater 
part  of  them,  without  making  any  reference  to  the 
living.  The  late  Rev.  Messrs.  Bayne  of  Greenock, 
and  Robertson  of  Kingussie,  formerly  of  the  Chapel 
at  Rothsay,  assisted  here  constantly  for  many  years. 
The  late  Rev.  Dr.  Love  of  Anderston  assisted  here 
occasionally,  about  the  time  of  the  revival;  and  the 
late  Rev.  Mr.  McKenzie  of  Gorbals,  formerly  of 
the  Gaelic  Chapel,  Duke  Street,  Glasgow,  assisted 
also  occasionally,  but  chiefly  before  the  commence- 
ment of  this  work.  These,  along  with  the  late 
Mr.  McBride  himself,  were  considered,  and  I  be- 
lieve justly,  among  the  most  pious  ministers  of 
their  day  ;  but  they  have  ceased  from  their  labours, 
and  their  works  do  follow  them.  The  more  regu- 
lar or  occasional  labours  of  these  men,  were  often 
blessed  as  seasons  of  refreshing  from  the  presence 
of  the  Lord.  It  is  doubtless  true,  that,  as  the 
awakening  declined,  some  of  those  who  appeared 
at  one  time  much  affected,  and  much  engaged  in 
religious  pursuits,  began  to  grow  cold  and  remiss 
in  spiritual  duties,  to  fall  into  divers  temptations, 
and  to  slide  back  into  conformity  with  the  world. 
Like  the  stony-ground  hearers,  the  religious  impres- 
sions of  many  were  slight  and  transitory — their 
convictions  were  not  of  a  spiritual  or  abiding  na- 
ture; and,  having  no  root  in  their  hearts,  they  soon 
withered  away,  without  bringing  forward  any  fruit 
to  perfection.  But  although  many  did  thus  turn, 
as  the  dog  to  his  vomit,  and  soon  got  rid  of  their 
religious  impressions,  a  considerable  number  of  the 
subjects  of  this  work  continue,  to  the  present  day, 
bringing  forth  fruit  meet  for  repentance,  and  mani- 
festing their  faith  by  their  works.     It  is  due,  how- 


84 


REVIVALS    OF    RELIGIOX. 


ever,  to  acknowledge,  that,  even  in  respect  of  the 
best  of  us,  the  zeal,  fervour,  and  liveliness,  mani- 
fest during  the  lime  of  our  revival,  have  suffered 
some  decay ;  and  that,  instead  of  these,  coldness, 
deadness,  and  formality  in  religion,  are  now  too 
prevalent  among  us.  We  have,  therefore,  much 
need  to  be  earnest  in  our  supplications  for  another 
season  of  refreshing  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord 
— to  pray,  with  the  devout  Psalmist — "  Turn  us, 
0  God  of  our  salvation,  and  cause  thine  anger  to- 
ward us  to  cease. — Wilt  thou  not  revive  us  again, 
that  thy  people  may  rejoice  in  ihee?  Show  us  thy 
mercy,  O  Lord,  and  grant  us  thy  salvation." 

The  above  narrative  of  what  is  usually  called 
*'  the  Arran  Revival,"  was  drawn  up  by  the  Rev. 
A.  McMillan,  minister  of  the  Parish  of  Kilmorie, 
during  the  summer  of  1830.  This  was  done  at 
the  request  of  the  Glasgow  Evangelical  Corres- 
ponding Society^  for  which  the  undersigned  acted, 
at  that  time,  as  secretary;  and  it  is  now  published 
with  permission  from  the  author.  We  are  per- 
suaded, that  the  pious  reader  will  feel  not  a  liide 
indebted  to  Mr.  McMillan,  for  the  pains  he  has 
taken  in  detailing  and  discriminating  the  facts  here 
narrated.  And  such  as  either  know  him  personal- 
ly, or  have  taken  the  trouble  of  inquiring  about 
him,  will  not  fail  to  put  the  fullest  confidence  in  all 
his  statements,  as  literally  and  exactly  true.  These 
are  circumstances  of  much  importance,  in  a  matter 
of  this  kind,  as  it  is  not  so  much  opinion,  how- 
ever judicious,  which  enhances  such  a  document, 
as  its  being  a  simple  and  faithful  narration  of  facts. 
And  being  fully  satisfied  as  to  this,  we  very  wil- 
lingly commend  the  whole  to  the  prayerful  consid- 
eration of  the  Lord's  people. 

D.  MACFARLAN. 
Renfrew  Manse,  Jan.  29th,  1834. 


85 


PART  VI. 


MOULIN,   1798—1800. 

Extracted  from  a  letter  by  the  Rev.  Alexander  Stew- 
art, late  Minister  of  the  Parish  of  Moulin,  afterwards 
of  Canongate,  Edinburgh,  to  the  Rev.  David  Black, 
Minister  of  Lady  Tester's  Church,  Edinburgh. 

Moulin,  1st  September,  1800. 
My  Dear  Sir, 

As  you  have  signified  to  me  the  opinion  of  Dr. 
Erskine,  Dr.  Hunter,  and  other  respected  friends, 
that  the  happy  revival  of  religion  amongst  us  ought 
to  be  more  generally  known,  and  that  it  might  be 
useful  to  publish  an  account  of  it,  I  shall  now  en- 
deavour to  give  a  circumstantial  detail  of  its  com- 
mencement and  progress.  I  am  able  to  do  this 
with  tolerable  correctness,  as  my  memory  is  as- 
sisted by  written  notes.  I  have  no  doubt  that  the 
concern  about  religion,  which  has  been  lately 
awakened  in  this  place,  is  already  the  ground  of 
much  rejoicing  among  the  angels  before  the  throne. 
Pity  it  should  not  also  engage,  as  extensively  as 
may  be,  the  praises  of  our  Christian  brethren  on 
earth. 

The  inhabitants  of  the  Highlands  have,  as  you 
know,  the  Scriptures  in  Gaehc,  their  native  tongue: 
the  Xew  Testament,  the  book  of  Psalms,  and  the 
Assembly's  Shorter  Catechism,  have  been  long 


86 


REVIVALS    OF    EELIGION. 


read  in  the  schools.  By  these  means,  the  people 
in  this  part  of  the  country  had  some  knowledge  of 
the  principal  events  in  tlie  history  of  the  creation 
and  fall  of  man,  and  of  our  Saviour's  life,  death, 
resurrection,  and  ascension ;  they  knew  also  some 
of  the  great  outlines  of  Christian  doctrine;  but,  in 
general,  their  knowledge  of  the  principles  of  Chris- 
tianity was  superficial  and  confused,  and  their  re- 
ligious opinions  were  in  many  important  points 
erroneous.  Very  few,  indeed,  knew  the  way  in 
w^hich  the  gospel  informs  us  a  sinner  may  be  re- 
conciled to  God.  The  opinion  of  their  own  works 
recommending  them  to  the  favour  of  God,  and  pro- 
curing them  a  reward  from  his  bounty  was  almost 
universal.  It  discovered  itself  in  their  ordinary 
speech,  in  their  common  remarks  on  more  solemn 
occasions,  and  in  almost  every  religious  sentiment 
that  was  uttered.  Their  apprehensions  of  the 
demerit  and  consequences  of  sin  were  exceedingly 
defective.  I  have  heard  many  on  a  sick  bed,  after 
acknowledging,  in  common  form,  that  they  were 
sinners,  deny  that  they  ever  did  any  ill.  And  in 
the  view  of  death,  they  have  derived  their  hopes 
of  future  happiness  from  the  reflection,  that  they 
had  never  wronged  any  person.  Very  few  seemed 
to  annex  any  meaning  to  their  words,  when  they 
said  that  they  expected  pardon  for  Christ's  sake. 
Being  without  the  true  knowledge  of  God,  of 
Christ,  of  the  gospel,  of  their  own  character  and 
state,  they  lived,  as  might  be  expected,  to  them- 
selves and  to  the  world.  They  were  not,  indeed, 
addicted  to  open  vice,  if  we  except  lying  and 
swearing.  They  were  rather  distinguished  for 
sobriety,  industry,  and  peaceable  behaviour.  But 
they  were  destitute  of  religious  principle.  They 
attended  church,  and  partook  of  the  sacrament,  and 


MOULIN.  87 

rested  from  their  work  on  the  Sabbath.  But  these 
outward  observances  were  ahiiost  the  only  appear- 
ance of  religion.  There  was  little  reading  of  the 
Scriptures  at  home;  little  religious  instruction  of 
children  ;  hardly  any  family  worship ;  no  religious 
conversation;  no  labouring,  in  any  manner,  for  the 
meat  which  endureth  unto  everlasting  life.  Even 
on  the  Lord's  day,  most  of  the  time  was  spent  in 
loitering,  visiting,  and  worldly  talk;  and  on  other 
days  religion  was  scarcely  thought  of. 

In  narrating  the  means  by  which  the  people 
were  brought  to  pay  a  more  serious  attention  to 
their  eternal  interests,  it  is  necessary  to  say  some- 
thing of  my  own  case.  I  was  settled  minister  of 
this  parish  in  1786,  at  the  age  of  twenty-two.  Al- 
though I  was  not  a  "  despiser"  of  what  was  sacred, 
yet  I  felt  nothing  of  the  power  of  religion  on  my 
soul.  I  had  no  relish  for  its  exercises,  nor  any 
enjoyment  in  the  duties  of  my  office,  public  or  pri- 
vate. A  regard  to  character,  and  a  desire  of  being 
acceptable  to  my  people,  if  not  the  only  motives, 
were  certainly  the  principal  motives,  that  prompt- 
ed me  to  any  measure  of  diligence  or  exertion. 
My  public  addresses  and  prayers  were,  for  the 
most  part,  cold  and  formal.  They  were  little  re- 
garded by  the  hearers  at  the  time,  and  as  little  re- 
collected afterwards.  I  preached  against  particular 
vices,  and  inculcated  particular  virtues.  But  I 
had  no  notion  of  the  necessity  of  a  radical  change 
of  principle ;  for  I  had  not  learned  to  know  the 
import  of  those  assertions  of  Scripture,  that  "  the 
carnal  mind  is  enmity  against  God;  "  that  if  any 
man  be  in  Christ  he  is  a  new  creature;"  and,  that 
*'  except  a  man  be  born  of  water  and  of  the  Spirit, 
he  cannot  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God."  I  spoke 
of  making  the  fruit  good ;  but  I  was  not  aware  that 


88 


REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 


the  tree  was  corrupt,  and  must  first  be  itself  made 
good,  before  it  could  bear  good  fruit.  The  people, 
however,  were  satisfied  willi  what  they  heard,  and 
neither  they  nor  I  looked  further. 

If  there  were  any  persons  in  the  parish  at  the 
time  who  lived  a  life  of  faith,  under  the  influence 
of  pure,  evangelical  principles,  I  did  not  know 
them,  nor  was  I  qualified  to  discern  and  under- 
stand what  spirit  they  were  of.  I  have  since  had 
reason  to  believe  that  there  were  a  very  few  spi- 
ritually-minded persons ;  but  their  life  was  hid, 
and  they  had  left  this  world,  all  but  one  or  two, 
before  they  could  acknowledge  me  as  a  brother. 

While  I  was  yet  ignorant  of  the  truth,  and  un- 
acquainted with  Christian  experience,  two  persons, 
under  conviction  of  sin  and  terrors  of  conscience, 
applied  to  me  for  advice.  They  supposed  that 
one  in  the  office  of  the  ministry  must,  of  course, 
be  a  man  of  God,  and  skilled  in  administering 
remedies  for  the  diseases  of  the  soul.  They  M^ere 
widely  mistaken  in  their  judgment  of  me ;  for  I 
had  learned  less  of  the  practice  than  of  the  theory 
of  pastoral  duly.  I  said  something  to  them  in  the 
way  of  advice;  but  it  afTorded  them  no  relief. 
They  were,  however,  under  the  care  of  the  good 
Physician.  He  applied  his  own  balm  to  their 
wounded  spirits,  and  "  healed,  and  bade  them  live." 
Being  progressively  and  effectually  taught  of  God, 
they  are  both  now  established,  judicious  Christians. 
These  are  the  first  that  appear  to  have  been  con- 
verted since  my  incumbency;  but  they  cannot  be 
reckoned  the  fruits  of  my  ministry. 

The  Lord  was  now  preparing  to  gather  to  him- 
self a  fuller  harvest  in  this  place.  He  might  have 
removed  me,  as  a  useless  encumbrance,  or  rather 
an  intervening  obstacle,  out  of  the  way,  and  sub- 


MOULIN.  89 

jected  me  to  the  doom  of  the  unprofitable  servant; 
but  he  was  graciously  pleased  to  spare  me,  and 
visit  me  in  mercy,  and  even  to  employ  me  as  one 
of  his  instruments  in  carrying  on  his  own  work. 
Glory  to  his  name  who  commanded  light  to  shine 
out  of  darkness !  The  writings  of  pious  men, 
which  were  put  into  my  hands  by  one  or  another 
Christian  friend,  were  made  the  means  of  bringing 
me  acquainted  with  the  truths  of  the  gospel. 
Among  these  I  may  mention  the  works  of  the 
Rev.  John  Newton  and  Thomas  Scott,  as  emi- 
nently useful  to  me.  I  was  slow  in  receiving  and 
embracing  the  doctrines  maintained  by  these  wri- 
ters. By  degrees,  however,  I  was  persuaded  that 
they  were  agreeable  to  Scripture,  and  that  no  doubt 
they  must  be  admitted  as  true.  I  therefore  durst 
not  preach  any  thing  which  I  conceived  to  be  di- 
rectly contrary  to  these  doctrines ;  but  I  brought 
them  forward  rarely,  incorrectly,  and  with  awk- 
ward hesitation.  The  trumpet  was  sounded,  but 
it  gave  an  "uncertain  sound." 

The  biographical  sketches  in  the  Evangelical 
Magazine  were  principal  means  of  impressing  my 
heart,  of  opening  my  eyes  to  perceive  the  truth,  of 
exciting  a  love  to  godliness,  and  a  desire  after  use- 
fulness. The  conversation  and  example  of  some 
persons  of  a  truly  spiritual  mind,  to  whose  acquain- 
tance I  was  admitted,  and  who  exhibited  to  my 
view  what  I  found  only  described  in  written  me- 
moirs, conduced  also  much  to  impress  on  my  mind 
the  truths  with  which  I  was  gradually  becoming 
more  acquainted.  I  cannot  omit  mentioning,  in 
this  connection,  the  blessings  I  enjoyed  in  the 
preaching,  the  prayers,  and  the  conversation,  of 
that  much  favoured  servant  of  Christ,  the  Rev. 
Charles  Simeon,  of  King's  College,  Cambridge. 


90 


REVIVALS    OF   RELIGION. 


He  was  a  man  sent  from  God  to  me;  was  my 
guest  for  two  days  in  June  1796,  preached  in  my 
church,  and  left  a  savour  of  the  things  of  God, 
which  has  remained  with  us  ever  since. 

From  that  time,  I  began  to  teach  and  to  preach 
Jesus  Christ  with  some  degree  of  knowledge  and 
confidence.  From  August  1797,  to  January  1798, 
I  preached  a  course  of  sermons  on  the  fundamental 
doctrines  of  Christianity,  following,  for  the  most 
part,  the  selection  and  order  of  texts  in  the  tract 
entitled,  "Short  Sermons." 

The  novelty  of  the  matter,  and  some  change  in 
the  manner  of  preaching,  excited  attention.  Peo- 
ple began  to  think  more,  and  sometimes  to  talk 
together,  of  religious  subjects,  and  of  the  sermons 
they  heard.  But  1  did  not  yet  know  of  any  deep 
or  lasting  impressions  having  been  made.  The 
two  persons  before  mentioned  as  earliest  converted, 
had  by  this  time  got  clearer  views  of  the  gospel, 
were  enabled  to  derive  comfort  from  the  word  of 
salvation,  and  began  to  bear  their  testimony  to  the 
grace  of  God  their  Saviour.  They  were  in  use 
occasionally  of  visiting  a  poor  infirm  woman,  who 
had  long  walked  v.'ith  God,  and  who  now  lived 
alone  in  a  mean  cottage  in  the  neighbouring  vil- 
lage. It  was  proposed  that  they  should  come 
together  to  her  house  at  a  time  appointed,  and  that 
I  and  some  of  my  family  should  join  them,  and 
spend  an  evening  hour  or  two  in  reading,  conver- 
sation, and  prayer.  In  process  of  time,  different 
persons  who  were  inquiring  after  the  one  thing 
needful,  hearing  how  we  were  employed,  and  be- 
lieving that  God  was  with  us,  were,  at  their  own 
request,  admitted  of  our  party.  In  this  poor  wo- 
man's little  smoky  hovel,  we  continued  to  hold 
our  weekly  meetings  to  August  1799,  when  she 


MOULIX, 


91 


was  called  away  to  join  the  general  assembly  of 
the  first-born  above.  Her  growth  in  grace  had 
been  very  conspicuous,  and  her  death  was  tri- 
umphant. 

In  summer,  1798,  the  Lord's  supper  was  dis- 
pensed in  our  congregation,  at  the  usual  time  of  the 
year.  For  some  weeks  before,  I  endeavoured,  in 
preaching,  to  explain  more  fully,  and  with  more 
application  to  the  conscience,  the  nature  of  the 
ordinance,  and  the  character  of  those  who,  under 
the  denomination  of  disciples,  were  commanded  to 
keep  it.  The  exhortations  and  warnings  then 
given  appeared  to  be  accompanied  with  a  divine 
blessing.  Some  of  the  ordinary  communicants, 
judging  themselves  to  be  in  an  unconverted  state, 
kept  back  of  their  own  accord  from  partaking  of 
the  sacrament.  Others,  after  conversing  with  me 
privately  on  the  subject,  took  the  same  resolution. 
And  many  of  those  who  might  otherwise  have  ap- 
plied for  admission,  forbore  to  apply,  there  being 
a  much  smaller  number  of  applicants  than  in  previ- 
ous years. 

Although  the  number  of  communicants  was  thus 
for  the  time  diminished,  yet  the  number  of  those 
who  were  brought  under  concern  about  their  eternal 
interests  was  increasing.  This  concern  showed 
itself  chiefly  among  the  younger  people  under 
twenty-five  or  thirty.  Their  knowledge  was  yet 
imperfect.  A  natural  shyness  often  hindered  them 
long  from  discovering  to  others  what  they  thought 
or  felt.  They  had  as  yet  no  friend  or  intimate 
whom  they  judged  able,  from  experience,  to  under- 
stand their  situation,  or  to  give  them  counsel. 
Some  of  them  began  to  visit  one  of  the  two  earlier 
converts  formerly  mentioned,  from  whose  reading 
and  conversation  they  derived  considerable  benefit. 


92 


REVIVALS    OF  RELIGION. 


By  means  of  this  common  friend,  they  were  brought 
more  acquainted  with  each  other.  One  might  now 
observe  at  church,  after  divine  service,  two  or  three 
small  groups  forming  themselves  round  our  few 
more  advanced  believers,  and  withdrawing  from 
the  crowd  into  the  adjacent  fields,  to  exchange 
Christian  salutations,  and  hold  Christian  converse 
together;  while  a  little  cousin,  or  other  young  rela- 
tive, followed  as  a  silent  attendant  on  the  party, 
and  listened  earnestly  to  their  religious  discourse. 
As  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  had  been 
much  abused,  by  admitting,  without  strict  exami- 
nation or  special  instruction,  all  candidates  who 
could  give  a  tolerable  answer  to  common  questions, 
and  who  were  free  from  grosser  immoralities,  so 
it  must  be  confessed  that  the  sacrament  of  baptism 
had  been  still  more  profaned.  Nothing  but  one 
kind  of  scandal  was  understood  to  preclude  a  man 
from  admission  to  this  ordinance.  Gross  ignorance 
or  immoral  behaviour,  only  laid  a  man  open  to 
some  admonition  or  reproof,  or,  at  most,  laid  him 
under  the  necessity  of  procuring  another  sponsor, 
but  hardly  ever  hindered  the  baptism  of  his  child. 
Nothing  subjects  a  man  to  greater  disgrace  and 
obloquy  among  us,  than  to  have  his  child  remain 
unbaptized.  The  dominion  of  custom  in  this  mat- 
ter is  so  despotic,  that  most  parents  would  choose 
rather  to  carry  their  children  a  hundred  miles  to 
be  baptized  by  a  popish  priest,  than  to  be  refused 
baptism  when  they  demand  it.  The  superstitious 
notions,  and  other  abuses,  attending  our  celebra- 
tion of  this  sacrament,  called  loudly  for  reforma- 
tion. Last  year,  I  preached  a  short  course  of  ser- 
mons on  baptism ;  at  the  same  time,  agreeably  to  a 
recent  resolution  and  recommendation  of  the  pres- 
bytery to  which  I  belong,  I  revived  the  laws  of 


MOULIN.  93 

the  church,  which  had  fallen  into  disuse,  relative 
to  this  ordinance,  particularly  that  which  prohibits 
private  baptism. 

In  February,  1799,  it  pleased  God  to  call  home 
my  dear  wife  after  we  had  been  married  little  more 
than  five  years.  She,  too,  had  been  growing  in 
grace  during  the  last  two  years  of  her  life.  She 
laboured  for  some  months  under  a  gradual  decline, 
which  impaired  her  strength,  and  occasioned  some- 
times a  languor  of  spirits ;  but  her  faith  and  trust 
in  her  Redeemer  were,  on  the  whole,  uniform  and 
steady.  Her  dismission  from  the  body  was  gen- 
tle, without  pain  or  struggle.  Her  meek  and 
humble  behaviour,  her  growing  love  to  her  Sa- 
viour, and  the  joy  she  expressed  at  the  prospect 
of  being  soon  with  him,  were  blessed  to  the  edifi- 
cation of  our  pious  neighbours,  who  often  called  to 
visit  her. 

The  following  month,  March,  1799,  I  began  a 
course  of  practical  sermons  on  Regeneration,  which 
I  continued  to  the  beginning  of  July  folloAving. 
These  were  attended  with  a  more  general  awaken- 
ing than  had  yet  appeared  among  us.  Seldom  a 
week  passed  in  which  we  did  not  see  or  hear  of 
one,  two,  or  three  persons,  brought  under  deep 
concern  about  their  souls,  accompanied  with  strong 
convictions  of  sin,  and  earnest  inquiry  after  a  Sa- 
viour. It  was  a  great  advantage  to  these  that  there 
were  others  on  the  road  beibre  them;  for  they 
were  seldom  at  a  loss  now  to  find  an  acquaintance 
to  whom  they  could  freely  communicate  their 
anxious  thoughts.  The  house  of  one  of  our  most 
established  Christians  became  the  chief  resort  of 
all  who  wished  to  spend  an  hour  in  reading  or 
conversing  about  spiritual  subjects.  Some  who 
had  but  newly  begun  to  entertain  serious  thoughts 
9 


94 


BEVIVALS     OF    RELIGION. 


about  religion,  and  who  had  not  yet  come  so  far  as 
to  speak  out  their  mind,  would  contrive  an  errand 
to  this  person's  house,  and  listen  to  her  talk.  She 
was  visited  at  other  times  by  those  who  were 
drawn  only  by  curiosity  or  a  cTisputatious  spirit, 
who  wanted  to  cavil  at  her  words,  or  draw  her 
into  controversy.  Such  visitors  she  did  not  avoid, 
and  at  last  they  ceased  to  visit  her. 

Other  experienced  Christians  among  us  have 
been  extremely  useful  to  their  younger  brethren 
or  sisters.  Their  conversation  and  example  have 
been  principal  means  of  turning  the  attention  of 
the  young  to  religion,  and  of  edifying  those  who 
have  been  already  awakened.  Such  persons  I  find 
most  serviceable  auxiliaries.  If  they  be  neither 
prophets,  nor  apostles,  nor  teachers,  yet  their  use- 
fulness in  the  church  entides  them  to  the  appella- 
tion of  helps:  1  Cor.  xii.  28.  Nor  do  I  think  an 
aposde  would  hesitate  to  acknowledge  them,  both 
men  and  women,  in  the  relation  o^  fellow -labour- 
ers: Phil.  iv.  3.  Nor  has  success  in  this  divine 
work  been  confined  to  instruments  raised  up  among 
ourselves.  The  same  happy  effects  have,  in  a 
certain  measure,  attended  the  preaching,  the  pray- 
ers, or  conversation,  of  pious  brethren,  who  have 
assisted  at  the  celebration  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  or 
made  us  other  occasional  visits. 

It  is  observable  that  the  work  of  conversion  has 
been  begun  and  carried  on  among  this  people  in  a 
quiet  manner,  without  any  confusion,  and  without 
those  ungovernable  agitations  of  mind,  or  convul- 
sions of  the  body,  or  shrieking  or  fainting,  which 
have  often  accompanied  a  general  awakening  in 
other  places.  One  young  woman  was  so  much 
moved  in  church,  in  March,  1799,  that  she  wept 
bitterly,  and  her  friends  thouglit  it  prudent  to  con- 


MOULIN.  95 

vey  her  out  a  little  before  the  congregation  was 
dismissed.  She  was  for  five  or  six  days  unfit  for 
going  about  her  usual  work.  In  June  following, 
at  the  time  of  our  sacrament,  she  felt  emotions  of 
joy,  for  a  few  days,  to  such  a  degree  as  to  with- 
draw her  regard  in  a  great  measure  from  sensible 
objects.  Spiritual  aflfectiona  were  unusually  strong 
in  her,  and  spiritual  objects  appeared  visible  and 
near;  but  her  sentiments  were  quite  correct  and 
scriptural.  A  few  days  afterwards,  when  her 
emotions  had  subsided,  she  told  me  that  she  was 
at  the  time  sensible  that  her  mind  was  somewhat 
unsettled,  but  that  she  found  comfort  in  recollect- 
ing the  apostle's  words,  "  If  we  are  beside  our- 
selves, k  is  to  God."  This  was  exactly  her  case. 
She  continues  an  humble,  lively  Christian,  and, 
except  these  two  short  intervals,  she  has  regularly 
performed  her  ordinary  work  as  a  maid-servant,  to 
the  satisfaction  of  her  master  and  mistress,  in  whose 
service  she  still  remains.  Another  woman,  the 
mother  of  a  family,  in  April  last,  was  so  much 
moved  in  hearing  sermon,  that  of  her  own  accord 
she  left  the  church.  Excepting  these  two  instances, 
I  know  of  none  whose  emotions,  under  the  preach- 
ing of  the  word,  discovered  themselves  in  any 
other  manner  than  by  silent  tears. 

Having  lately  made  an  enumeration  of  those  of 
our  congregation,  whom,  to  the  best  of  my  judg- 
ment, I  trust  I  can  reckon  truly  enlightened  with 
the  saving  knowledge  of  Christ,  I  find  their  num- 
ber about  seventy.  The  greater  part  of  these  are 
under  thirty  years  of  age ;  several  are  above  forty ; 
six  or  seven  above  fifty ;  one  sixty-six ;  and  one 
above  seventy.  Of  children,  under  twelve  or  four- 
teen, there  are  a  good  many  who  seem  to  have  a 
liking  to  rehgion;  but  we  find  it  difficult  to  form  a 


96  REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 

decided  opinion  of  their  case.  Of  persons  who 
have  died  within  these  twelve  months,  three  we 
are  persuaded,  and  we  hope  two  or  three  others, 
have  slept  in  Jesus. 

A  very  considerable  number  are  friendly  to  re- 
ligion, and  countenance  and  defend  ihe  truth,  even 
while  they  do  not  as  yet  appear  to  live  under  its 
power.  A  few  among  ourselves  did  for  a  while 
jeer  and  deride  the  godly;  but  such  persons  are 
left  in  so  very  small  a  minority,  that  they  have 
ceased  to  be  troublesome.  The  Scriptures,  too, 
are  so  generally  read  and  referred  to,  that  the  truth 
itself  serves  to  stop  the  mouth  of  scoffers.  We  are 
sometimes  told  that  the  sentiments  and  language 
of  our  people  are  much  misrepresented,  and  are 
the  objects  of  much  wonder,  and  ridicule,  and  in- 
vective, in  other  places.  But  we  only  hear  of  such 
things ;  they  are  hardly  permitted  to  come  nigh 
us.  The  chief  opposition  arises  from  those  who 
possess  superior  scholarship  and  acquaintance  with 
the  Scriptures.  These  contend  that  there  can  be 
nothing  substantial  or  necessary  in  that  experimen- 
tal knowledge  which  illiterate  persons  may  pretend 
to  have  attained;  and  that  it  is  mere  ignorance  in 
them  to  imagine  that  they  can  have  a  larger  share 
of  saving  knowledge  than  men  who  are  greater 
scholars  and  better  versed  in  the  Scriptures.  "Are 
we  blind  also?"  has  ever  been  the  indignant  lan- 
guage of  carnal  wisdom,  of  literary  pride,  and  of 
self-righteous  presumption. 

It  is  evident  that  the  Scriptures  represent  all 
mankind  as  divided  into  two  classes.  These  are 
distinguished  from  each  other  in  the  most  explicit 
manner;  and  the  distinction  is  marked  by  the 
strongest  language,  and  the  most  significant  com- 
parisons.    They  are  called  the  children  of  God, 


MOULIN.  97 

and  the  children  of  the  devil,  (1  John  iii.  10;)  the 
children  of  the  kingdom,  and  the  children  of  the 
wicked  one,  (Matt.  xiii.  38;)  the  just  and  the 
wicked,  (Matt.  xiii.  49 ;)  they  who  are  dead  in 
trespasses  and  sins,  and  they  who  are  quickened 
together  with  Christ,  (Eph.  ii.  1 — 6.)  They  are 
compared  to  wheat  and  tares,  (Matt.  xiii.  25;)  to 
good  and  bad  fishes,  (Matt.  xiii.  47,  48;)  to  sheep 
and  goats,  (Matt.  xxv.  32.)  In  the  general  tenor 
of  my  preaching,  especially  in  discussing  the  im- 
portant doctrine  of  regeneration,  1  have  endeavour- 
ed to  keep  in  view  this  distinction,  and  to  exhibit 
it  clearly  to  the  notice  of  my  hearers.  Many  have 
been  not  a  little  offended  at  such  a  discrimination ; 
have  found  fault  with  the  preacher;  have  complain- 
ed of  uncharitable  judgment ;  pleading  that  it  was 
God's  prerogative  to  judge  the  heart;  that  they 
hoped  theirs  was  good,  though  they  did  not  make 
such  a  parading  profession  of  religion,  &c.  The 
truth  has  prevailed,  however;  and  some  have  con- 
fessed to  me,  that  their  first  serious  thoughts  about 
the  state  of  their  souls,  arose  from  the  surprise  and 
resentment  they  felt  on  being  classed  under  the 
character  of  unbelievers,  along  with  murderers  and 
idolaters:  Rev.  xxi.  8.  But  in  giving  such  offen- 
sive, though  necessary  warnings,  I  had  much  need 
of  the  Spirit  of  Christ,  to  repress  all  asperity  of 
language  and  manner,  to  awaken  tender  compassion 
for  those  whom  I  addressed,  and  to  enable  me  to 
speak  the  truth  in  love. 

I  observe  amono^  our  younff  converts  a  considera- 
me  variety  of  frames,  but  a  striking  uniformity  of 
character.  They  are  dejected  or  elevated,  according 
as  their  regard  is  more  fixed  on  their  own  deficiencies 
and  corruptions,  or  on  the  glorious  sufficiency  of 
Christ.     But  all  of  them  are  characterized  bv  low- 


98  REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 

liness  of  mind,  by  a  warm  attachment  to  each  other, 
and  to  all  who  love  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  by  the 
affections  set  on  things  above.  I  know  no  instances 
among  them  of  persons  trusting  for  comfort  or  di- 
rection to  dreams  or  visions,  impulses  or  impres- 
sions ;  and  hardly  an  instance  of  seeking  comfort 
from  external  signs  or  tokens,  arbitrarily  assumed 
by  the  inquirer,  after  the  example  of  Abraham's 
servant,  (Gen.  xxiv.  14,)  and  of  Gideon,  (Judges 
vi.  36—40.) 

We  have  not  yet  to  lament  any  great  falling  ofi' 
in  those  who  appeared  to  have  once  undergone  a 
saving  change.  There  may  be  persons  who  were 
for  a  time  inquiring,  with  some  apparent  earnest- 
ness, and  afterwards  fell  back  to  their  former  un- 
concern. I  have  reason  to  suspect  tliat  there  may 
be  several  in  this  situation,  though  I  have  not  ac- 
cess to  know  the  exact  state  of  their  minds.  May 
the  Lord  discover  it  to  themselves  in  time !  But 
all,  so  far  as  I  know,  who  seemed  to  have  been 
once  truly  humbled  for  their  sins,  and  made  to  feel 
in  their  hearts  the  grace  of  God  in  the  gospel,  con- 
tinue thus  far  to  maintain  an  humble,  spiritual, 
conscientious  walk.  They  have  a  constant  appe- 
tite for  the  sincere  milk  of  the  word,  and  for  Chris- 
tian fellowship  with  one  another.  The  younger 
son  have  lost  their  former  levity  of  speech  and  be- 
haviour, and  are  become  devout  and  sober-minded ; 
those  more  advanced  in  life  have  laid  aside  their 
selfishness  and  worldly-mindedness,  and  are  grown 
humble,  contented,  and  thankful. 

The  external  effects  of  a  general  concern  about 
religion,  have  appeared  in  the  behaviour  even  of 
those  who  do  not  seem  to  have  experienced  a 
change  of  heart.  While  the  younger  people  at- 
tended a  Sabbath  school,  those  who  were  grown 


MOULIN.  99 

up,  used  to  spend  the  evening  of  that  day  in  saun- 
tering about  the  fields  and  woods  in  gossiping 
parties,  or  visiting  their  acquaintance  at  a  distance, 
without  improving  their  time  by  any  profitable  ex- 
ercise. Now,  there  is  hardly  a  lounger  to  be  seen, 
nor  any  person  walking  abroad,  except  going  to 
some  house,  or  meeting,  where  he  may  hear  the 
Scriptures  read.  Swearing,  profane  talking,  fool- 
ish and  indecent  jesting,  have  in  a  great  measure 
ceased.  At  late  wakes,  where  people  assemble  to 
watch  by  the  body  of  a  deceased  neighbour,  the 
whole  night  used  to  be  spent  in  childish,  noisy 
sports  and  pastimes.  Even  the  apartment  where 
the  corpse  lay  was  the  scene  of  their  revelry.  This 
unnatural  custom,  which  is  still  pretty  general  over 
a  great  part  of  the  Highlands,  is  almost  wholly 
discontinued  in  this  part  of  the  country.  They 
still  assemble  on  such  occasions;  but  they  pass  the 
time  in  reading  the  Bible,  or  some  religious  book, 
and  in  sober  conversation. 

I  have  mentioned,  that  almost  all  our  converts 
have  been  brought  to  serious  concern  and  inquiry, 
in  a  quiet,  gradual  manner.  To  an  intelligent  ob- 
server, the  change  in  the  conversation,  temper,  de- 
portment, and  the  very  countenance  of  individuals, 
is  striking;  the  change,  too,  on  the  general  aspect 
of  the  manners  of  the  people,  is  conspicuous.  The 
effect  is  thus,  on  the  whole,  obvious ;  yet  there  are 
few  particulars  in  the  case  of  each  person,  which, 
taken  singly,  will  appear  uncommon.  We  have 
no  instances  of  persons  remarkable  for  profligacy 
of  manners,  or  profaneness  of  speech,  who  have 
been  reclaimed  from  such  enormities ;  because  there 
were  none  of  that  description  to  be  found  in  our 
society.  The  change  has  been  from  ignorance  and 
indifference,  and  disrelish  of  divine  things,  (o  know- 


100  REVIVALS   OF    RELIGION. 

ledge,  and  concern,  and  spiritual  enjoyment.  Nei- 
ther are  there  among  us  examples  of  persons  sud- 
denly struck  and  impressed  by  some  alarming 
event,  or  singular  interposition  of  Providence. 
The  word  of  truth,  proclaimed  in  public,  or  spoken 
in  private,  has  been  almost  the  only  outward  means 
of  producing  conviction  of  sin,  and  confidence  in 
the  Saviour.  In  every  single  case,  the  power  of 
God  is  visible  in  the  effect  produced ;  but  there  is 
little  "diversity  of  operation."  Instead  of  endea- 
vouring to  paint  the  beauties  of  holiness  in  the 
scene  around  me,  I  rather  wish  to  prevail  with  you 
and  other  friends,  who  know  how  to  enjoy  such  a 
spectacle,  to  "  come  and  see." 

We  still  have  the  happiness  to  find,  from  week 
to  week,  that  the  same  concern  and  awakening  is 
spreading  around,  and  extending  to  some  neigh- 
bouring congregations.  Within  these  few  weeks, 
persons  from  six  or  seven  miles  distance,  have 
called  here  on  a  Sabbath  morning,  under  evident 
concern  about  their  souls.  On  a  succeeding  Sab- 
bath, the  same  persons  have  called  again,  intro- 
ducing a  relation,  or  fellow-servant,  under  similar 
concern.  All  of  these,  so  far  as  can  be  judged 
from  present  appearances,  are  in  a  hopeful  way. 
Such  is  the  manifold  grace  and  loving  kindness 
with  which  it  has  pleased  the  Lord  to  visit  this 
corner  of  his  vineyard.  I  trust  that  all  our  Chris- 
tian brethren,  who  may  receive  the  joyful  intelli- 
gence, will  join  us  in  praying,  that  God  may  con- 
tinue to  water,  with  showers  of  blessings,  "  this 
vine  which  his  own  right  hand  hath  planted;"  and 
that  no  boar  from  the  wood  may  be  allowed  to 
waste  it,  nor  worm  at  the  root  to  smite  it  that  it 
wither.     I  am,  (fee. 


MOULIN.  101 

In  the  preceding  most  interesting  narrative,  as 
in  others  of  a  similar  kind,  the  connection  between 
the  PRAYERS  of  the  people  of  God,  and  the  remark- 
able visitation  of  mercy  recorded,  is  one  of  the 
most  striking  features.  Mr.  Stewart  had  known 
the  truth  in  its  power,  and  preached  it  for  a  con- 
siderable time  before  it  was  attended  with  any  visi- 
ble success ;  and  it  is  not  till  he  has  informed  us  of 
his  weekly  meetings  for  prayer,  with  three  pious 
persons  in  the  parish,  that  he  proceeds  to  give  an 
account  of  the  general  awakening  which  followed. 
Thus  it  ever  has  been,  and  will  continue  to  be.  Them 
that  honour  God  in  prayer,  he  will  honour  with  his 
blessing.  Let  those,  then,  who  now  desire  to  see 
*'  times  of  refreshing,"  such  as  were  experienced  at 
Moulin,  be  stirred  up  to  imitate  the  example  of  these 
three  humble,  but  Christian  individuals,  who,  in  "  a 
mean  and  smoky  hovel,"  assembled  from  week  to 
week  with  their  minister,  to  supplicate  the  blessing 
of  the  Spirit,  and  who,  doubtless,  in  secret,  poured 
out  many  a  fervent  "  breathing"  into  the  bosom  of 
their  gracious  and  loving  Father,  on  behalf  of  their 
ungodly  neighbours.  And  praying  in  the  Spirit, 
they  may  expect  to  be  favoured  with  similar  re- 
sults. God  will  not  turn  away  their  prayer.  The 
present  is  a  season  when  there  is  a  peculiar  call  to 
prayer,  and  when  these  encouraging  words  in  the 
Prophecy  of  Hosea  should  be  engraven  on  every 
heart,  and  their  spirit  infused  into  every  soul — "  It 

IS    TIME    TO    SEEK    THE    LoRD,    TILL   HE   COME   AND 
RAIN  RIGHTEOUSNESS  UPON  YOU." 


10 


102 


PART   VII. 


ULSTER,  1623—1641. 

The  success  of  the  Reformation  from  the  first  was 
much  slower  in  Ireland  than  in  either  of  the  sister 
kingdoms.  Few  Protestant  ministers  were  settled 
in  the  country,  and  these  for  the  most  part  very  ill 
qualified  for  tlie  discharge  of  their  duties ;  while 
the  government,  bent  upon  a  favourite  scheme  of 
discontinuing  the  native  Irish  language,  prohibited 
its  use  in  the  service  of  the  church — permitted  no 
books  to  be  printed  in  that  language,  and  even  di- 
rected that  in  those  parisiies  where  the  English 
was  not  understood  by  the  readers,  the  church  ser- 
vice should  be  conducted  in  Latin.  With  means 
so  exceedingly  inadeq^uate,  it  is  not  surprising  that 
few  of  the  people  should  have  embraced  the  re- 
formed doctrines,  and  that  the  country  should  have 
continued  essentially  popish. 

The  province  of  Ulster,  in  the  early  period  of 
the  Reformation,  was  in  a  condition  still  worse 
than  the  other  parts  of  the  country.  Those  intes- 
tine wars  which  raged  during  the  latter  part  of  the 
reign  of  Elizabeth  had  their  chief  seat  here,  and 
had  reduced  the  province  almost  to  a  state  of  de- 
population: most  of  the  towns  were  destroyed; 
cultivation  had  nearly  ceased;   and  the  few  pro- 


ULSTER.  103 

prietors  who  remained,  supported  themselves  on 
plunder,  and  lived  in  a  condition  little  better  than 
barbarism.  In  circumstances  so  very  unfavourable 
the  spread  of  Protestant  principles  could  hardly 
be  otherwise  than  small,  and  in  fact  they  were 
scarcely  known  beyond  a  few  of  the  principal 
towns,  insomuch  that  in  the  beginning  of  the  reign 
of  James  I.,  Du  Pin,  a  Roman  Catholic  historian, 
describes  the  province  of  Ulster  as  "  the  most  con- 
stant in  maintaining  its  liberty  and  in  preservinor  the 
Catholic  religion."  The  greater  part  of  the  bishops 
and  ministers  were  still  Roman  Catholics,  and  of 
the  few  Protestant  ministers,  who  were  scattered 
over  the  country,  many  were  shamefully  ignorant, 
and  even  scandalous  in  their  lives.  In  many  pa- 
rishes there  was  no  minister,  and  except  in  some 
of  the  principal  towns  and  cities,  divine  service 
had  not  been  performed  in  a  single  parish  church 
throughout  the  province  for  years  together. 

To  provide  a  remedy  for  this  unhappy  state  of 
the  country,  king  James  projected  a  plan  for  plant- 
ing it  with  settlers  from  England  and  Scotland. 
Great  part  of  the  province  had  been  forfeited  to 
the  crown  during  the  rebellions,  and  from  the  for- 
feited estates  liberal  distribution  was  made  for  the 
encouragement  of  settlers ;  the  king  taking  espe- 
cial care,  at  the  same  time,  to  provide  for  the 
spread  of  religion,  by  repairing  the  churches  and 
providing  glebes  for  the  ministers,  as  well  as  re- 
storing the  ecclesiastical  possessions  and  endowing 
free  schools  for  the  revival  of  learning. 

Soon  after  this  plan  was  set  on  foot,  the  province 
began  to  assume  a  new  aspect.  The  deserted 
cities  were  filled  with  inhabitants,  towns  were  built 
and  incorporated,  the  lands  gradually  cleared  of 
woods,  cultivation  was   resumed,  and  peace  and 


104  REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 

industry  were  generally  restored.  The  sees  were 
now  all  filled  with  Protestant  bishops,  and  a  scriptu- 
ral confession  of  faith,  in  which  the  intolerant  spirit 
of  the  church  of  England  was  avoided,  was  drawn 
up  by  Dr.  (afterwards  archbishop)  Usher,  and 
adopted  by  the  clergy ;  so  that  in  the  bosom  of 
the  church  of  Ireland  many  of  the  Puritans  of  Eng- 
land and  Scotland,  who  had  been  driven,  by  perse- 
cution, from  their  native  country,  found  a  secure 
retreat,  and  were  promoted  to  situations  of  honour 
and  usefulness.  Among  the  most  eminent  of  these 
were  Mr.  Edward  Brice,  formerly  minister  of 
Stirling,  who  was  settled  at  Broadisland  in  the  year 
1613;  Mr.  Hubbard,  an  English  Puritan  minister, 
settled  at  Carrickfergus  about  the  year  1621 ;  Mr. 
John  Ridge,  a  native  of  England,  presented  in 
1619  to  the  vicarage  of  Antrim ;  Mr.  Robert  Blair, 
formerly  one  of  the  regents  or  teachers  in  the  Col- 
lege of  Glasgow,  who  came  to  Bangor  in  1623; 
and  Mr.  James  Hamilton,  who  was  educated  for 
the  ministry  in  Scotland,  and  ordained  at  Bally- 
water  about  the  year  1625. 

Before  the  arrival  of  these  godly  ministers  the 
character  of  the  settlers  was  far  from  being  such 
as  to  encourage  them  in  their  labours,  and  indeed 
they  were  very  generally  openly  immoral  and  pro- 
fane. "  From  Scotland,"  says  Mr.  Stewart,  who 
was  minister  of  Donaghadee  in  1645,* — "from 
Scotland  came  many,  and  from  England  not  a  few; 
yet  all  of  them  generally  the  scum  of  both  nations, 
who,  from  debt,  or  breaking  and  fleeing  from  jus- 

*  For  this  and  the  subsequent  extracts  from  a  manu- 
script of  M  r.  Stewart,  as  well  as  for  the  preceding  account 
of  the  state  of  Ireland,  and  much  of  what  follows,  we  are 
indebted  to  the  excellent  History  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  Ireland,  by  Dr.  Reid  of  Carrickfergus. 


ULSTER.  1 05 

tice,  or  seeking  shelter,  came  hither,  hoping  to  be 
without  fear  of  man's  justice,  in  aland  where  there 
was  nothing  or  but  little  as  yet,  of  the  fear  of  God. 
And  in  a  few  years  there  flocked  such  a  multitude 
of  people  from  Scotland,  that  these  northern  coun- 
ties of  Down,  Antrim,  Londonderry,  &c.,  were  in 
a  good  measure  planted,  which  had  been  waste  be- 
fore. Yet  most  of  the  people  were  all  void  of 
godliness,  who  seemed  rather  to  flee  from  God  in 
this  enterprise,  than  to  follow  their  own  mercy. 
Yet  God  followed  them  when  they  fled  from  him. 
Albeit  at  first  it  must  be  remembered,  that  as  they 
cared  little  for  any  church,  so  God  seemed  to  care 
as  little  for  them.  For  these  strangers  were  no 
better  entertained  than  with  the  relics  of  popery, 
served  up  in  a  ceremonial  service  of  God,  under  a 
sort  of  antichristian  hierarchy,  and  committed  to 
the  care  of  a  number  of  careless  men,  who  were 
only  zealous  to  call  for  their  gain  from  their  quar- 
ter ;  men  who  said  "  come  ye,  I  will  bring  wine, 
let  us  drink,  for  to-morrow  shall  be  as  this  day,  and 
much  more  abundant."  Thus  on  all  hands  atheism 
increased,  and  disregard  of  God,  iniquity  abounded 
with  contention,  fighting,  murder,  adultery,  &c. 
as  among  people  who,  as  they  had  nothing  within 
them  to  overawe  them,  so  their  ministers'  example 
was  worse  than  nothing,  for,  from  the  prophets 
of  Israel  profaneness  went  forth  to  the  whole  land. 
And  verily  at  this  time  the  whole  body  of  this 
people  seemed  ripe  for  the  manifestation,  in  a  great 
degree,  either  of  God's  judgments  or  mercy.  For 
their  carriage  made  them  to  be  abhorred  at  home 
in  their  native  land,  insomuch  that  going  for  Ire- 
land was  looked  on  as  a  miserable  mark  of  a  de- 
plorable person.  Yea,  it  was  turned  into  a  pro- 
verb, and  one  of  the  worst  expressions  of  disdain 
that  could  be  invented  was,  to  tell  a  man  that  "  Ire- 


106 


REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION, 


land  would  be  his  hinder  end !"  The  labours  by 
which  the  English  and  Scottish  ministers  above 
named  endeavoured  to  establish  the  gospel  among 
this  ungodly  people,  were  most  zealous  and  unre- 
mitting. Some  idea  of  them  may  be  formed  from 
the  account  given  by  Mr.  Blair  of  his  own  labours 
in  the  parish  of  Bangor.  "  My  charge,"  says  he, 
"  was  very  great,  consisting  of  about  six  miles  in 
length,  and  containing  above  twelve  hundred  per- 
sons come  to  age,  besides  children,  who  stood 
greatly  in  need  of  instruction.  This  being  the 
case,  I  preached  twice  every  week,  besides  the 
Lord's  day.  But  finding  still  that  this  fell  short 
of  reaching  the  design  of  a  gospel  ministry,  and 
that  the  most  part  continued  vastly  ignorant,  I  saw 
the  necessity  of  trying  a  more  plain  and  familiar 
way  of  instructing  them  ;  and  therefore,  besides 
my  public  preaching,  I  spent  as  much  time  every 
week,  as  my  bodily  strength  could  hold  out  with, 
in  exhorting  and  catechizing  them.  Not  long  after 
I  fell  upon  this  method,  the  Lord  visited  me  with 
a  fever;  on  which,  some  who  hated  my  painfulness 
in  the  ministry,  said  scoffingly,  that  they  knew  I 
could  not  hold  out  as  1  began.  But  in  a  little  space 
it  pleased  the  Lord  to  raise  me  up  again,  and  he 
enabled  me  to  continue  that  method  the  whole  lime 
I  was  at  Bangor." 

To  these  labours,  Mr.  Blair  and  his  brethren 
joined  much  fervent  prayer.  Mr.  Blair's  acquaint- 
ance, with  Mr.  Cunningham  of  Holyvvood  was 
comfortable  to  them  both,  and  they  frequently 
visited  one  another,  and  spent  many  days  and 
hours  together  in  prayer  and  godly  conference. 

The  effects  were  soon  apparent.  A  spirit  of  re- 
ligious inquiry  was  excited  among  the  people,  igno- 
rance began  to  be  dispelled,  careless  and  secure 
persons  were  aroused  to  a  sense  of  their  danger, 


ULSTER,  107 

the  immoral  were  reclaimed  to  habits  of  decency, 
and  the  general  aspect  of  the  country  became  mar- 
vellously changed.  At  Bangor  a  considerable  re- 
formation was  effected,  and,  a  short  time  after- 
wards, a  more  general  awakening  appeared  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  Oldstone,  where  James  Glend- 
inning,  a  native  of  Scotland,  and  formerly  Lecturer 
at  Carrickfergus,  had  lately  settled  as  minister. 

Of  the  origin  and  progress  of  this  awakening  Mr. 
Stewart  has  preserved  the  following  account. 
*'Mr.  Blair,"  says  he,  "coming  over  from  Bangor 
to  Carrickfergus  on  some  business,  and  occasion- 
ally hearing  Mr.  Glendinning  preach,  perceived 
some  sparkles  of  good  inclination  in  him,  yet  found 
him  not  solid  but  weak,  and  not  fitted  for  a  public 
place,  and  among  the  English.  On  Avhich  Mr. 
Blair  did  call  him,  and  using  freedom  with  him, 
advised  him  to  go  to  some  place  in  the  country 
among  his  countrymen;  whereupon  he  Avent  to 
Oldstone  (near  the  town  of  Antrim)  and  was  there 
placed.  He  was  a  man  who  would  never  have 
been  chosen  by  a  wise  assembly  of  ministers,  nor 
sent  to  begin  a  reformation  in  this  land.  For  he 
was  little  better  than  distracted;  yea,  afterwards, 
did  actually  become  so.  Yet  this  was  the  Lord's 
choice,  to  begin  with  him  the  admirable  work  of 
God;  which  I  mention  on  purpose  that  all  men 
may  see  how  the  glory  is  only  the  Lord's  in  mak- 
ing a  holy  nation  in  this  profane  land  and  that  it 
was  'not  by  might  nor  by  power,  nor  by  man's 
wisdom,  but  by  my  Spirit,  saith  the  Lord.'  At 
Oldstone,  God  made  use  of  him  to  awaken  the 
consciences  of  a  lewd  and  secure  people  there- 
abouts. For  seeing  the  great  lewdness  and  ungodly 
sinfulness  of  the  people,  he  preached  to  them  noth- 
ing but  law-wrath,  and  the  terrors  of  God  for  sin. 


108  REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 

And  in  very  deed  for  this  only  was  he  fitted,  for 
hardly  could  he  preach  any  other  thing.  But  be- 
hold the  success!  For  the  hearers  finding  them- 
selves condemned  by  the  mouth  of  God  speaking 
in  his  word,  fell  into  such  anxiety  and  terror  of 
conscience  that  they  looked  on  themselves  as  alto- 
gether lost  and  damned;  and  this  work  appeared 
not  in  one  single  person  or  two,  but  multitudes 
were  brought  to  understand  their  way,  and  to  cry 
out,  men  and  brethren,  what  shall  we  do  to  be 
saved !  1  have  seen  them  myself  stricken  into  a 
swoon  with  the  word;  yea,  a  dozen  in  one  day 
carried  out  of  doors  as  dead,  so  marvellous  was  the 
power  of  God  smiling  their  hearts  for  sin,  condemn- 
ing and  killing.  And  of  these  were  none  of  the 
weaker  sex  or  spirit,  but  indeed  some  of  the  boldest 
spirits  \vho  formerly  feared  not  with  their  swords 
to  put  a  whole  market  town  in  a  fray ;  yet  in  de- 
fence of  their  stubbornness  cared  not  to  lie  in  prison 
and  in  the  stocks  ;  and  being  incorrigible,  were  as 
ready  to  do  the  like  the  next  day.  I  have  heard 
one  of  them,  then  a  mighty  strong  man,  now  a 
mighty  Christian,  say  that  his  end  in  coming  to 
church  was  to  consult  with  his  companions  how 
to  work  some  mischief.  And  yet  at  one  of  those 
sermons  he  was  so  catched,  that  he  was  fully  sub- 
dued. But  why  do  I  speak  of  him  ?  We  knew 
and  yet  know,  multitudes  of  such  men  who  sinned 
and  still  gloried  in  it  because  they  feared  no  man, 
yet  are  now  patterns  of  sobriety,  fearing  to  sin  be- 
cause they  fear  God.  And  this  spread  through  the 
country  to  admiration,  especially  to  that  river,  com- 
monly called  the  Six-mile-water,  for  there  this  work 
began  at  first.  At  this  time  of  people's  gathering 
to  Christ,  it  pleased  the  Lord  to  visit  mercifully 
the  honourable  familv  in  Antrim,  so  as  Sir  John 


ULSTER.  109 

Clotworthy,  and  my  lady  his  mother,  and  his  own 
precious  lady,  did  shine  in  an  eminent  manner  in 
receiving  the  gospel,  and  offering  themselves  to  the 
Lord;  whose  example  instantly  other  gendemen 
followed,  such  as  Captain  Norton,  of  whom  the 
gospel  made  a  clear  and  cleanly  conquest. 

"  When,  therefore,  the  multitude  of  wounded 
consciences  were  healed,  they  began  to  draw  into 
holy  communion  and  meeting  together  privately 
for  edification,  a  thing  which  in  a  lifeless  genera- 
tion is  both  neglected  and  reproved.  But  the  new 
life  forced  it  among  the  people,  who  desired  to 
know  what  God  was  doing  -with  the  souls  of  their 
neighbours,  who,  they  perceived,  were  wrought  on 
in  spirit,  as  they  had  been.  There  was  a  man  in 
the  parish  of  Oldstone,  called  Hugh  Campbell, 
who  had  fled  from  Scotland  ;  him  God  caught  in 
Ireland,  and  made  him  an  eminent  and  exemplary 
Christian  until  this  day.  He  was  a  gentleman  of 
the  house  of  Dukethall.  After  this  man  was  healed 
of  the  wound  given  to  his  soul  by  the  Almighty,  he 
became  very  refreshful  to  others  who  had  less  learn- 
ing and  judgment  than  himself.  He  therefore  in- 
vited some  of  his  honest  neighbours  who  fought 
the  same  fight  of  faith,  to  meet  him  at  his  house 
on  the  last  Friday  of  the  month;  where  and  when, 
beginning  with  a  few,  they  spent  their  time  in 
prayer,  mutual  edification,  and  conference  on  what 
they  found  within  them,  nothing  like  the  superficial 
superfluous  meetings  of  some  cold-hearted  profes- 
sors, who  afterwards  made  this  work  a  snare  to 
many.  But  these  new  beginners  were  more  filled 
with  heart  exercise  than  head  notions,  and  with 
fervent  prayer  rather  than  conceity  gifts  to  fill  the 
head.  As  these  truly  increased  so  did  this  meet- 
ing for  private  edification  increase  too;  and  still  at 


110  REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 

Hugh  Campbell's  house,  on  the  last  Friday  of  the 
month.  At  last  they  grew  so  numerous,  that  the 
ministers  who  had  begotten  them  again  to  Christ, 
thought  fit  that  some  of  them  should  be  still  with 
them  to  prevent  what  hurt  might  follow."  Ac- 
cordingly, adds  Mr.  Blair,  "  Mr.  John  Ridge  the 
judicious  and  gracious  minister  of  Antrim,  perceiv- 
ing many  people  on  both  sides  of  the  Six-mile- 
water  awakened  out  of  their  security,  made  an 
overture  that  a  monthly  meeting  might  be  set  up 
at  Antrim,  which  was  within  a  mile  of  Oldstone, 
and  lay  centrical  for  the  awakened  persons  to  resort 
to,  and  he  invited  Mr.  Cunningham,  Mr.  Hamilton, 
and  myself,  to  take  part  in  that  work,  who  were  all 
glad  of  the  motion,  and  heartily  embraced  it.  This 
meeting  was  continued  for  many  years.  In  the 
summer  days  four  did  preach;  and  when  the  day 
grew  shorter,  only  three:  And  through  the  Lord's 
blessing  on  our  labours,  religion  was  spread  through- 
out that  whole  county,  and  into  the  borders  of 
some  others.  Mr.  Glendinning  was  at  the  first 
glad  of  the  confluence  of  people,  but  we  not  having 
invited  him  to  bear  a  part  in  the  monthly  meeting 
he  became  so  emulous,  that,  to  preserve  popular 
applause,  he  watched  and  fasted  wonderfully.  Af- 
terwards he  was  smitten  with  a  number  of  errone- 
ous and  enthusiastic  opinions,  and  at  last  he  set  out 
on  a  visit  to  the  seven  churches  of  vVsia." 

Having  lost  this  instrument,  others  more  worthy 
were  afterwards  through  the  good  providence  of 
God,  added  to  the  ministry.  "  From  Scotland," 
says  Mr.  Blair,  "  came  over  Mr.  Josiah  Welsh, 
son  of  the  famous  Mr.  John  Welsh,  who  both 
in  Scotland  and  France  was  instrumental  in  con- 
verting and  confirming  many.  A  great  measure 
of  that  spirit  which  wrought  in  and  by  the  father, 


ULSTER. 


Ill 


rested  also' upon  the  son.  The  last  time  I  had 
been  in  Scotland,  I  met  with  him,  and  fmding 
of  how  zealous  a  spirit  he  was,  I  exhorted  him  to 
hasten  over  to  Ireland,  where  he  would  find  work 
enough,  and  I  hoped  success  too.  And  so  it  came 
to  pass :  For  Mr.  Welsh  having  been  settled  at 
Temple-Patrick,  became  a  great  blessing  to  that 
people.  Next  Mr.  Henry  Colvert,  an  English- 
man, helper  to  Mr.  Edward  Bryce  at  Broadisland, 
was  settled  at  Oldstone.  This  able  minister  hav- 
ing been  of  a  fervent  spirit,  and  vehement  de- 
livery in  preaching,  and  withal  very  diligent,  was  a 
blessing  to  that  people.  And  after  these  two  the 
Lord  brought  over  to  Lochlarne  old  Mr.  George 
Dunbar,  after  he  had  been  deposed  from  his  min- 
istry at  Ayr  by  the  High  Commission,  and  ban- 
ished by  the  Privy  Council.  At  Larne  the  Lord 
did  greatly  bless  his  ministry,  and  he  and  the  other 
two  having  joined  the  monthly  meeting,  the  word 
of  God  grew  mightily,  and  his  gracious  work  pros- 
pered in  our  hands." 

About  the  year  1630,  Mr.  John  Livingston  assist- 
ant at  Torphichen,  having  been  oppressed  by  the 
bishops,  went  over  to  Ireland,  where  he  was  or- 
dained at  Killinchie.  "  Being  a  man  of  a  gracious 
melting  spirit  he  did  much  good,  and  the  Lord  was 
pleased  greatly  to  bless  his  ministry."  iVIuch 
about  the  same  time  Mr.  Andrew  Stuart,  "  a  learned 
gentleman  and  fervent  in  spirit,"  was  settled  at 
Dunagor,  where  his  ministry  was  successful  during 
the  short  time  he  lived. 

The  blessed  work  of  conversion,  which  was  of 
several  years'  continuance,  had  now  spread  beyond 
the  bounds  of  Antrim  and  Down,  to  the  skirts  of 
neighbouring  counties  ;  and  the  resort  of  people  to 
the  monthly  meeting  and  communion  occasions, 


112  REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 

and  the  appetite  of  the  people,  were  become  so 
great,  that  the  ministers  were  sometimes  constrain- 
ed in  sympathy  to  the  people  to  venture  beyond 
any  preparation  they  had  made  for  the  season. 
*'  And  indeed  preaching  and  praying  were  so  plea- 
sant in  those  days,  and  hearers  so  eager  and  greedy, 
that  no  day  was  long  enough  nor  no  room  great 
enough  to  answer  their  strong  desires  and  large 
expectations." 

The  following  very  interesting  particulars  are 
given  by  Mr.  Livingston,  in  his  Memoirs.  Refer- 
ring to  his  settlement  at  Killinchie,  he  says,  "  Al- 
though the  people  were  very  tractable,  yet  they 
w^ere  generally  very  ignorant,  and  I  saw  no  appear- 
ance of  doing  any  good  among  them ;  yet  it  pleased 
the  Lord  that  in  a  short  time  some  of  them  began 
to  understsnd  somewhat  of  their  condition.  Not 
only  had  we  public  worsliip  free  of  any  inventions 
of  man,  but  we  had  also  a  tolerable  discipline;  for 
after  I  had  been  some  while  among  them,  by  the 
advice  of  heads  of  famiHes,  some  ablest  for  that 
charge  were  chosen  elders  to  oversee  the  manners 
of  the  rest,  and  some  deacons  to  gather  and  distri- 
bute the  collections.  We  met  every  week,  and 
such  as  fell  into  notorious  public  scandals,  we  de- 
sired to  come  before  us.  Such  as  came  were  dealt 
with  both  in  public  and  private  to  confess  their 
scandal,  in  presence  of  the  congregation,  at  the 
Saturday's  sermon,  before  the  communion,  which 
was  celebrated  twice  in  the  year — such  as  would 
not  come  before  us,  or  coming  would  not  be  con- 
vinced to  acknowledge  their  fault  before  the  con- 
gregation, upon  the  Saturday  preceding  the  com- 
munion, their  names,  scandals,  and  impenitency, 
were  read  out  before  the  congregation,  and  they 
debarred  from  the  communion,  which  proved  such 


ULSTER.  113 

a  terror  that  we  found  very  few  of  that  sort.  We 
needed  not  to  have  the  communion  oftener,  for 
there  were  nine  or  ten  parishes  within  the  bounds 
of  twenty  miles,  or  little  more,  wherein  there  were 
godly  and  able  ministers,  that  kept  a  society  toge- 
ther, and  every  one  of  these  had  the  communion 
twice  a-year,  at  different  times,  and  had  two  or 
three  of  the  neighbouring  ministers  to  help  thereat; 
and  most  part  of  the  religious  people  used  to  resort 
to  the  communions  of  the  rest  of  the  parishes. 
Most  of  all  these  ministers  used  ordinarily  to  meet 
the  first  Friday  of  every  month  at  Antrim,  where 
was  a  great  and  good  congregation,  and  that  day 
was  spent  in  fasting  and  prayer,  and  public  preach- 
ing. Commonly  two  preached  every  forenoon  and 
in  the  afternoon.  We  used  to  come  together  the 
Thursday  night  before,  and  staid  the  Friday  night 
after,  and  consulted  about  such  things  as  concerned 
the  carrying  on  of  the  work  of  God ;  and  these 
meetings  amongst  ourselves  were  sometimes  as 
profitable  as  either  presbyteries  or  synods.  And 
out  of  these  parishes  now  mentioned,  and  some 
others  also,  such  as  laid  religion  to  heart,  used  to 
convene  to  these  meetings,  especially  out  of  the 
Six-mile-water,  which  was  nearest  hand,  and 
where  was  the  greatest  number  of  religious  peo- 
ple. And  frequendy  the  Sabbath  after  the  Friday's 
meeting,  the  communion  was  celebrated  in  one 
or  other  of  these  parishes.  Among  all  these 
ministers,  there  was  never  any  jar  or  jealousy, 
yea,  nor  amongst  the  professors,  the  greatest  part 
of  them  being  Scots,  and  some  good  number  of 
very  gracious  English ;  all  whose  contention  was 
to  prefer  others  to  themselves.  And  although  the 
gifts  of  the  ministers  were  much  difl'erent,  yet  it 
was  not  observed  that  the  people  followed  any  to 


114  REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 

the  undervaluing  of  others.  Many  of  these  reli- 
gious professors  had  been  both  ignorant  and  pro- 
fane, and  for  debt,  and  want,  and  worse  causes, 
had  left  Scotland,  yet  the  Lord  was  pleased  by  his 
word  to  work  such  a  change,  I  do  not  think  there 
were  more  lively  and  experienced  Christians  any 
where,  than  were  these  at  that  time  in  Ireland,  and 
that  ill  good  numbers,  and  several  of  them,  per- 
sons of  good  outward  condition  in  the  world;  but 
being  lately  brought  in,  the  lively  edge  was  not 
yet  gone  off  them,  and  the  perpetual  fear  that  the 
bishops  would  put  away  their  ministers,  made  them 
with  great  hunger  wait  on  the  ordinances.  I  have 
known  them  come  several  miles  from  their  own 
houses,  to  communions,  to  the  Saturday's  sermon, 
and  spend  the  whole  Saturday  night  in  several 
companies,  sometimes  a  minister  being  with  them, 
sometimes  themselves  alone,  in  conference  and 
prayer,  and  then  they  have  waited  on  the  public 
ordinances  the  whole  Sabbath,  and  spent  the  Sab- 
bath night  likewise,  and  yet  at  the  Monday's  ser- 
mon they  were  not  troubled  with  sleepiness,  and 
so  have  not  slept  till  they  went  home.  Because  of 
their  holy  and  righteous  carriage,  they  were  gene- 
rally reverenced  even  by  the  graceless  multitude 
among  whom  they  lived.  Some  of  them  had  at- 
tained such  dexterity  at  expressing  religious  pur- 
poses, by  the  resemblance  of  worldly  things,  that 
being  at  feasts  and  meals  in  common  inns,  where 
were  some  ignorant  and  profane  persons,  they 
would  among  themselves  entertain  a  spiritual  dis- 
course for  a  long  time,  and  the  others  professed 
that  although  they  spoke  good  English,  they  could 
not  understand  what  they  said.  In  those  days  it 
was  no  great  difficulty  for  a  minister  to  preach  or 
pray  in  public  or  private,  such  was  the  hunger  of 


ULSTER. 


115 


the  hearers,  and  it  was  hard  to  judge  whether  there 
was  more  of  the  Lord's  presence  in  the  public  or 
private  meetings." 

The  system  of  discipline  referred  to  by  Mr. 
Livingston,  was  the  same  as  that  observed  in  Mr. 
Blair's  congregation,  of  the  beneficial  influence  of 
which,  in  connexion  widi  the  faithful  preaching  of 
the  word,  Mr.  Blair  narrates  the  following  instance. 
"  A  cunning  adulterer  who  had  continued  long  in 
that  sin  before  I  went  to  Bangor,  and  by  bribing 
the  bishop's  official  had  concealed  his  wickedness, 
having  been  present  at  a  sermon  which  I  had  on 
the  parable  of  the  sower,  it  pleased  the  Lord  so  to 
reach  his  conscience,  that  he  made  confession  of 
his  great  sin  with  many  tears,  and  sought  to  be 
admitted  to  the  public  profession  of  his  repentance. 
This  the  session  readily  agreed  to,  and  he  appear- 
ed pubHcly  for  several  days,  under  very  deep  con- 
viction, to  the  great  affecting  of  the  congregation, 
and  lived  ever  afterward  a  reformed  man  so  far  as 
could  be  perceived." 

There  were  now  many  converts  in  all  the  con- 
gregations which  have  been  mentioned,  and  Satan 
observing  the  prosperity  of  the  gospel  amongst 
them  set  himself  to  perplex  them  by  discrediting 
the  work  of  God  in  their  hearts.  'This  he  did  by 
a  counterfeit  of  the  operation  of  the  Holy  Spirit  on 
several  persons  at  Lochlarne,  whom  he  caused  to 
cry  out  during  public  worship,  and  some  of  them 
were  affected  with  convulsive  pangs.  The  num- 
ber of  persons  thus  affected  increased  daily,  and  at 
first  the  ministers  and  people  pitied  them,  hoping 
that  the  Holy  Spirit  was  at  work  with  them.  But 
when  they  had  conversed  with  them,  and  found 
that  they  did  not  discover  any  sense  of  their  sinful 
state  or  any  longing  after  a  Saviour,  the  minister  of 


116  REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 

the  place  wrote  to  his  brethren,  inviting  them  to 
come  and  examine  the  matter,  who  when  they  had 
spoken  with  them  saw  that  it  was  a  mere  delusion 
of  the  destroyer.  The  next  Sabbath,  an  ignorant 
person  in  Mr.  Blair's  congregation  made  a  noise, 
but  immediately,  says  Mr.  B.,  "  I  was  assisted  to 
rebuke  that  lying  spirit  which  disturbed  the  wor- 
ship of  God,  and  I  charged  the  same  in  the  name 
and  authority  of  Jesus  Christ,  not  to  molest  that 
congregation;  and  through  God's  mercy  we  met 
with  no  more  of  that  sort." 

Having  thus  been  foiled  in  this  attempt,  Satan 
now  made  a  handle  of  his  own  device  to  stir  up 
enemies  against  the  faithful  ministers.  Archbishop 
Usher's  Confession  of  Faith  had  by  this  time  been 
laid  aside,  and  the  ritual  and  ceremonies  of  the 
English  Church  having  been  adopted  in  its  stead, 
the  former  moderation  of  the  bishops  was  no  longer 
continued.  The  ministers  who  had  been  most 
successful  in  promoting  the  work  of  reformation 
were  accused  to  them  of  teaching  that  bodily  con- 
vulsions were  necessary  to  the  new  birth,  and  the 
bishop  of  the  diocese  at  first  suspended  four  of 
them  from  their  labours ;  and  then,  after  a  short 
relaxation,  obtained  for  them  by  Archbishop  Usher, 
he  deposed  all  the  four  from  their  sacred  office. 
The  conduct  of  the  people  on  this  occasion  striking- 
ly illustrates  the  spirit  of  prayer  which  abounded 
among  them.  Mr.  Blair  having  set  out  to  London, 
with  the  view  of  obtaining  a  trial  for  himself  and  his 
brethren,  "  left  many  holy  persons,  wrestling  with 
God  for  a  comfortable  issue.  And  indeed,"  says 
he,  "  they  were  a  praying  people  for  whom  I  un- 
dertook this  journey.  At  my  house  two  nights 
were  spent  every  week  in  prayer;  and  though 
those  who  did  bear  chief  burden  therein  were  not 


ULSTER.  117 

above  the  rank  of  husbandmen,  yet  they  abounded 
in  the  grace  and  spirit  of  prayer.  Other  places 
were  not  short  of,  but  rather  excelled  in  that  duty, 
and  even  in  congregations  who  yet  enjoyed  their 
own  pastors,  many  prayers  were  put  up  on  our  ac- 
count, as  I  learned  at  my  return." 

When  Mr.  Blair  returned,  with  a  favourable  an- 
swer from  the  king,  the  trial  was  still  delayed,  but 
the  ministers  continued  to  meet  and  pray  with  their 
people,  until  at  the  end  of  a  twelvemonth  they 
obtained  a  license  to  preach  publicly  for  six  months. 
So  great  was  Mr.  Blair's  astonishment  at  the  news 
of  this  unlooked  for  liberty,  that  he  did  not  sleep 
for  three  nights  afterwards.  The  first,  he  says, 
was  wholly  spent  in  admiring  the  goodness  of  God; 
the  second  in  thanksgiving  with  his  people,  who 
solemnly  prayed  with  him  ;  and  the  third  he  spent 
in  preparation  for  his  stated  lecture,  which  occurred 
on  the  succeeding  day.  When  he  resumed  this 
lecture  be  found  a  large  congregation,  not  only  of 
his  own  flock,  but  of  many  from  neighbouring  con- 
gregations ;  who,  on  hearing  the  gospel  again  pub- 
licly preached,  were  melted  down  into  tears  of  joy. 
The  monthly  meeting  at  Antrim  was  also  resumed, 
to  the  inexpressible  joy  of  the  people,  and  public 
worship  being  now  freely  permitted,  they  made 
more  progress  in  the  ways  of  the  Lord  than  ever 
before.  This  liberty  was  however  of  short  con- 
tinuance. Mr.  Blair  and  Mr.  Dunbar,  were  soon 
deposed  a  second  time  from  their  office,  and  they 
concluded  their  ministry  by  celebrating  the  Lord's 
supper,  and  solemnly  delivering  up  their  flocks  to 
the  great  Bishop  of  souls  from  whom  they  had  re- 
ceived their  sacred  office.  Five  of  the  other  ministers 
were  afterwards  deposed,  and  the  work  of  revival 
was  for  a  time  much  impeded.  The  number  of 
11 


118 


REVIVALS     OF    RELIGION. 


the  godly  was,  however,  very  considerable,  many 
of  whom,  along  with  some  of  their  ministers,  came 
over  to  Scotland  to  escape  the  violence  of  the  per- 
secution which  followed. 

This  persecution  proceeded  from  the  adherents 
of  Episcopacy,  who,  headed  by  the  haughty  and 
cruel  Earl  of  Strafford,  imposed  such  heavy  fines, 
and  inflicted  so  severe  itnprisonments  upon  the 
Presbyterians,  for  refusing  to  take  the  oaths  pre- 
scribed to  them  by  government,  that  while  many 
of  the  ministers  were  forced  to  leave  the  country, 
those  who  remained  dared  not  preach  publicly. 
They  still  however  continued  to  meet  privately 
with  their  people,  and  usually  in  the  night  time, 
for  religious  worship.  And  even  when  most  of  the 
ministers  had  fled  to  Scotland,  and  the  more  timid 
of  those  who  still  remained  were  afraid  to  attend 
these  proscribed  assemblies,  such  laymen  as  were 
most  distinguished  for  their  knowledge  and  piety 
conducted  the  worship  of  the  people,  and  expound- 
ed the  Scriptures  for  their  mutual  edification  and 
comfort.  By  these  means  the  knowledge  and  love 
of  the  truth  were  preserved  among  multitudes,  until 
they  again  had  an  opportunity  of  statedly  hearing 
the  gospel  from  the  lips  of  their  ministers,  while 
others  held  the  ministers  in  so  great  veneration 
that  many  of  them  removed  to  Scotland  for  the  sole 
purpose  of  enjoying  their  ministry,  and  of  those  who 
remained  large  numbers  came  over  from  Ireland  to 
attend  the  stated  dispensation  of  the  Lord's  supper 
in  the  parishes  where  they  were  settled.  On  one 
occasion  no  fewer  than  five  hundred  persons  visited 
Stranraer,  that  they  might  receive  ordinances  from 
the  hands  of  Mr.  Livingston. 

This  first  persecution  was  soon  foflowed  by  a 
second  of  a  more  bloody  and  disastrous  character, 


ULSTER. 


119 


at  the  Rebellion  of  1641— of  which  all  classes  of 
Protestants  were  the  subjects,  so  violent,  that  in  a 
small  part  of  Ulster  alone  about  thirty  ministers 
were  cruelly  massacred  by  the  papists. 

These  disasters  pui  a  check  for  the  present  to  the 
progress  of  the  Revival.  In  Scotland  the  minis- 
ters and  people  who  had  fled  thither  for  refuge, 
were  kindly  treated  by  the  people  of  God,  and  hid 
as  it  were  in  the  hollow  of  His  hand,  until  the 
times  of  slaughter  and  persecution  had  in  some 
measure  passed  away.  After  a  few  years  most  of 
them  returned  to  their  adopted  land;  and  along 
with  the  chaplains  of  the  Scottish  army,  and  many 
of  the  ministers,  who  had  formerly  adhered  to 
Episcopacy,  were  the  means  of  planting  in  Ulster 
the  Presbyterian  Church,  which  to  the  present  day 
continues  to  flourish  in  that  province. 

Among  the  means  by  which  this  extensive  work 
of  grace  was  promoted,  the  Christian  character  of 
the  ministers,  and  their  faithful  and  diligent  preach- 
ing, hold  a  prominent  place.  The  following  par- 
ticulars of  their  style  of  preaching  may  be  added  to 
what  has  already  been  said. — Of  Mr.  Brice,  Mr. 
Livingston  informs  us,  "  that  in  all  his  preaching 
he  insisted  most  on  the  life  of  Christ  in  the  heart, 
and  the  light  of  his  word  and  Spirit  on  the  mind, 
which  was  his  own  continual  exercise."  "  Mr. 
Ridge,"  he  says/'  used  not  to  have  many  points  in 
his  sermon,  but  he  so  enlarged  those  he  had,  that 
it  was  scarcely  possible  for  any  hearer  to  forget  his 
preaching.  He  was  a  great  urger  of  charitable  works, 
and  a  very  humble  man."  Mr.  Blair's  labours 
have  already  been  particularly  referred  to.  "  He 
was  a  man,"  says  Livingston,  "of  notable  consti- 
tution both  of  body  and  mind ;  of  a  majestic,  awful, 
yet  affable  and  amiable  countenance  and  carriage. 


120  REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 

thoroughly  learned,  of  strong  parts,  deep  invention 
and  judgment,  and  of  a  most  public  spirit  for  God. 
His  gift  of  preaching  v/as  such,  that  seldom  could 
any  observe  withdrawing  of  assistance  in  public, 
which  in  others  is  frequent.  He  seldom  ever 
wanted  assurance  of  his  salvation.  He  spent  many 
days  and  nights  in  prayer  alone  and  with  others, 
and  was  vouchsafed  great  intimacy  with  God."  Of 
Mr.  Welsh,  we  are  informed  by  the  same  writer, 
that  '*  he  was  much  exercised  in  his  own  spirit, 
and  therefore  much  of  his  preaching  was  an  exer- 
cise of  conscience;"  and  Mr.  Blair  adds,  "  He  did 
with  great  eagerness  convince  the  secure,  and 
sweetly  comfort  those  who  were  dejected."  "  Mr. 
Stuart,"  says  Livingston,  "  was  a  man  very  straight 
in  the  cause  of  God."  Of  Mr.  Colvert,  he  says, 
"  He  very  pertinently  cited  much  scripture  in  his 
sermons,  and  frequently  urged  private  fasting  and 
prayer."  Mr.  Livingston  himself  was  the  minister 
who  was  honoured  when  a  young  man  to  preach 
the  famous  sermon  at  the  Kirk  of  Shotts,  which 
was  followed  with  so  rich  a  blessing.  He  was 
one  of  the  most  learned  and  laborious  among  the 
brethren. 

Connected  with  the  preaching  of  the  gospel,  it 
appears  from  the  foregoing  narrative,  that  the  strict 
and  impartial  exercise  of  discipline — the  frequent 
practice  of  public  and  private  fasting — the  fellow- 
ship and  godly  conferences  of  Christians — and 
above  all,  a  spirit  of  earnest  prayer,  hold  a  promi- 
nent place  among  the  means  of  promoting  this 
revival. 

These  means  were  all  of  the  most  scriptural  kind, 
and  without  them  it  would  be  presumptuous  to 
expect  an  extensive  revival  of  religion.  Let  then 
those  amongst  us  who  desire  to  obtain  a  similar 


ULSTER.  121 

out-pouring  of  the  Spirit  of  grace,  imitate  the  ex- 
ample of  these  followers  of  Christ — let  the  gospel 
be  preached,  with  application  to  the  consciences  of 
men  as  sinners,  and  let  it  be  adorned  by  the  lives 
of  those  who  profess  to  receive  it — let  the  disci- 
pline of  the  Church  be  impartially  and  vigorously 
administered — the  practice  of  fasting  and  social 
prayer  revived,  and  a  spirit  of  enlarged  intercession 
and  supplication  cherished — and  then  indeed  may 
we  hope  to  see  the  windows  of  heaven  opened,  and 
a  blessing  poured  out  "  till  there  shall  not  be  room 
enough  to  hold  it."  Surely  this  is  a  blessing 
worthy  of  being  asked,  and  if  sought  for,  the  result 
is  not  doubtful.  The  Saviour  himself  has  assured 
us  that  if  we  "being  evil  know  how  to  give  good 
gifts  to  our  children,  much  more  will  our  heavenly 
Father  give  his  Holy  Spirit  to  them  that  ask 
Him."  *'  Ask,  and  ye  shall  receive ;  seek,  and  ye 
shall  find  ;  knock,  and  it^shall  be  opened  unto  you: 
for  I  say  unto  you  that  every  one  that  asketh  re- 
ceiveth,  and  he  that  seeketh  findeth,  and  to  him 
that  knocketh  it  shall  be  opened."  "  For  as  the 
earth  bringeth  forth  her  bud,  and  as  the  garden 
causeth  the  things  that  are  sown  in  it  to  spring 
forth,  so  the  Lord  God  will  cause  righteousness 
and  praise  to  spring  forth  before  all  the  nations," 


122 


PART  VIII. 


ISLAND  OF  LEWIS,  1824—1835. 

Extracted  from  a  work  entitled,  ^^  History  of  Revivals  of 
Religion  in  the  British  Isles,  especially  in  Scotland''"' — 
a  volume  which  ought  to  he  perused  by  every  Christian. 

The  following  narrative  relates  chiefly  to  the  parish 
of  Uig,  and  gives  a  most  interesting  sketch  of  a 
work  of  Divine  grace  which  has  been  in  progress 
there  for  the  last  eleven  years,  and  which  is  still 
going  on :  and  it  plainly  demonstrates  that  the  gos- 
pel is  "  thepovrer  of  God"  in  renewing  the  soul  of 
fallen  man,  for  to  no  other  means  can  the  happy 
results  which  have  taken  place  there  be  ascribed. 

Very  soon  after  the  setdement  of  the  present 
minister  of  Uig,  an  awakening  took  place  amongst 
the  people  who  had  previously  been  mere  formal- 
ists. Presently  inquirers  came  to  obtain  private 
instruction,  and  the  exigencies  of  the  people  led  to 
the  extension  of  religious  opportunities — such  as  a 
lecture  on  Thursdays,  and  many  regular  prayer 
meetings,  which  still  exist,  and  are  attended  with 
avidity.  When  Mr.  M'Leod  first  entered  on  his 
office,  all  the  people  of  a  certain  age  were  accus- 
tomed to  flock  to  the  table  of  communion,  but  as 


ISLAND    OF   LEWIS.  123 

he  had  reason  to  apprehend  that  few  of  them  dis- 
cerned the  Lord  in  the  feast,  he  preached  to  them 
carefully  for  a  year,  before  he  ventured  to  celebrate 
that  solemn  ordinance.  And  so  much  had  their 
light  increased,  that  only  a  small  portion  of  the  old 
communicants  presented  themselves,  and  they  with 
silent  tears.  It  is  very  remarkable,  that  in  the 
course  of  years  wherein  he  acted  as  their  pastor, 
he  has  scarcely  been  obUged  to  reject  or  keep  back 
any  one  from  this  feast  of  love.  Indeed  there  are 
many  whom  their  pastor  would  be  glad  to  admit, 
who  keep  back,  perhaps  from  some  erroneous  ap- 
prehension of  the  nature  of  the  ordinance.  This 
is  the  case  in  several  other  Highland  parishes.  At 
the  communion  services  of  1828,  the  island  seemed 
to  be  moved  with  one  emotion,  for  nine  thousand 
people  flocked  to  Uig  on  that  occasion.  Then  and 
subsequently,  the  days  and  nights,  from  the  fast  to 
the  thanksgiving  days,  have  been  occupied  in  ex- 
hortation and  prayer,  by  the  various  ministers  and 
elders,  amongst  whom  the  name  of  John  Mac- 
donald  of  Farintosh  or  Urquhart,  stands  pre-emi- 
nent. In  1834,  an  immense  concourse  of  persons 
attended,  following  and  seeking  the  truth,  from  the 
Isles  of  Harris  and  Uist,  as  they  had  done  for  a 
year  or  two  before ;  and  the  cautious  pastor,  speak- 
ing of  this  and  similar  occasions,  describes  to  a 
Christian  friend  the  "deep  impression"  which  was 
then  made,  the  "  deepening  work,"  the  "new  and 
old  converts,"  the  "  liberty  of  the  ministers  in 
preaching,"  the  "  refreshment  of  the  people  in 
hearing,"  and  the  "  fervent  longing  for  another  such 
season."  He  also  speaks  of  "  the  knowledge  and 
experience  of  the  people,"  of  the  "  Gospel  pros- 
pering in  Lewis,"  and  of  "many  new  converts 
being  brought  in  during  the  solemnities." 


124  REVIVALS     OF    RELIGION. 

It  is  not  in  our  power  to  give  much  particular 
detail,  the  honourable  and  judicious  caution  of  the 
faithful  pastor,  for  the  present,  declining  to  bring 
into  public  view  the  cases  of  individuals  in  whose 
real  devotion  to  God  he  has  much  comfort.  Gene- 
ral results,  however,  are  in  the  possession  of  the 
public,  and  may  be  thankfully  and  humbly  stated, 
to  the  praise  of  that  blessed  Spirit  who  has  wrought 
such  changes. 

In  proof  of  the  minister's  own  enjoyment  of  his 
scene  of  labour,  it  is  pleasing  to  state,  that  he  re- 
marks in  1834,:  "  Ten  winters  have  I  passed  here, 
all  wonderfully  short,  pleasant,  and  delightful ;"  and 
his  teachers  are  all  so  much  interested  in  their  oc- 
cupation, that  they  would  rather  expend  their  lives 
in  that  retired  region  than  remove  to  wealthier  and 
more  southern  districts.  We  hope  the  faithful 
records  preserved  by  him  who  watches  for  their 
souls,  as  one  who  must  give  account,  will,  at  no 
distant  day,  be  published  to  revive  the  drooping 
Church.  In  the  mean  time,  all  that  we  are  about 
to  relate  of  the  general  aspect  of  society  there,  we 
mention  as  detailed  by  witnesses  much  interested 
in  stating  the  truth  correctly. 

1.  The  pray  erfidness  of  the  people. — One  gentle- 
man, who  annually  visits  the  Lewis,  mentions  that 
he  has  often  walked  forth  at  eventide,  to  have  his 
spirit  refreshed  by  observing  the  devotional  temper 
of  the  people  of  Uig — and  that,  at  all  hours,  from 
eight  o'clock  at  night  till  one  in  the  morning,  he 
has  passed  by  and  overheard  persons  engaged  in 
prayer.  Many  a  bush  formed  a  shelter  for  a  soul 
communing  with  its  God;  and  along  the  brown 
ridges  of  the  fallow,  by  stooping,  so  as  to  cast  the 
figures  between  the  eye  and  the  clear  margin  of  the 
horizon,  dim  forms  might  be  discerned,  either  alone, 


ISLAND    OF    LEWIS.  125 

or  two  and  three  together,  kneeling  and  pouring 
out  their  wants  at  the  footstool  of  mercy.  The 
captain  of  a  king's  ship,  which  lay  for  a  consider- 
able time  off  the  island,  who,  in  pursuing  his  sports, 
had  crossed  and  recrossed  the  lands  in  all  direc- 
tions, bears  witness  that  he  never  met  any  intoxi- 
cation— any  profanity,  nor  indeed  a  single  person 
engaged  in  any  occupation  which  might  tempt  him 
to  wish  to  shrink  from  public  inspection,  except 
during  their  frequent  retirements  for  prayer.  He 
mentioned,  in  particular,  his  having  entered  a  wood- 
yard  in  the  town  of  Stornoway,  to  inquire  into^the 
progress  of  some  repairs  making  on  his  boat,  when 
he  saw  two  men  retire  behind  the  logs  to  pray 
together;  and,  though  their  Gaelic  was  unintelligi- 
ble to  him,  their  occupation,  and  obvious  abstrac- 
tion from  the  world,  and  solemn  impression  of  the 
divine  presence,  softened  and  subdued  the  man  of 
the  sea,  though  not  given  to  the  melting  mood. 
He  said,  "  they  are  extraordinary  people  here ; 
one  cannot  but  be  struck  with  their  honesty,  kind- 
ness, and  sobriety.  I  am  told  they  make  a  good 
deal  of  whiskey  for  sale.  It  cannot  be  for  home 
consumption,  for  I  think  I  never  met  a  drunk  per- 
son out  of  the  town.  One  hears  of  religion  else- 
where, but  one  sees  it  here  in  every  thing." 

We  have  pleasure  in  mentioning  as  another 
example  of  the  devotional  habits  of  these  people, 
what  a  friend  who  was  rowed  up  the  Loch  Roag 
witnessed.  The  way  being  long,  it  is  customary 
to  stop  to  rest  and  refresh  the  oarsmen.  When 
they  had  drawn  their  boat  up  into  the  little  bay, 
and  ceased  from  their  toil,  the  men,  before  they 
tasted  of  their  food,  raised  their  blue  bonnets,  and 
united  in  prayer. 

It  may  be  proper  to  state,  that  the  cabins  of  the 
12 


126  REVIVALS     OF    RELIGION. 

inhabitants,  consisting  of  but  one  apartment,  fur- 
nish no  opportunity  of  retirement ;  and  this  ex- 
plains, in  part,  the  custom  of  praying -in  the  open 
air.  There  is,  however,  another  and  more  affect- 
ing reason.  The  people  want  to  repair  far  more 
frequently  to  the  footstool  of  Mercy  than  at  morn- 
ing and  evening;  and  as  their  occupations  are  in 
general  out  of  doors,  or  on  the  waves,  so  also  are 
their  prayers. 

There  are  five  natives  of  the  parish  of  Uig  who 
were  enlisted  when  a  regiment  was  raised  on  the 
island,  and  having  gone  with  the  army  to  Egypt, 
lost  their  sight  by  ophthalmy,  and  after  their  return 
have  become  acquainted  with  the  doctrines  of  the 
gospel.  It  is  common  with  them  to  bless  God  for 
having  taken  away  their  bodily  eyes,  since  they 
regard  that  as  one  of  the  instruments  in  his  hand 
for  opening  the  mental  sight,  which  was  before  in 
a  state  of  darkness.  Three  of  them  are  active  fel- 
low-helpers in  the  extension  of  Christian  truth  and 
consolation.  One  is  a  most  efficient  and  zealous 
elder  in  the  parish  of  Uig ;  of  another  we  shall 
have  occasion  to  relate  a  curious  circumstance  un- 
der the  head  of  liberality. 

2.  The  icprightness  of  the  people. — On  occasion 
of  a  year  of  famine,  the  natives  were  put  to  great 
straits,  and  in  danger  of  perishing  for  want.  A 
vessel,  laden  with  meal,  was  driven  upon  their 
shores  by  stress  of  weather.  Did  the  famine-stricken 
natives  seize  on  the  ship,  and  lawlessly  apply  her 
cargo  to  the  supply  of  their  necessities?  If  they 
had,  hunger  would  have  formed  for  them  a  plausi- 
ble excuse.  Twenty  years  before  they  would 
doubtless  have  done  so,  and  held  themselves  guilt- 
less. Bat  now  it  was  not  so.  Every  portion  was 
accurately  weighed  or  divided ;  and,  as  their  neces- 


ISLA^"»   OF  LEWIS. 


127 


sities  were  so  great  that  they  had  nothing  then  to 
pay,  their  affectionate  minister  gave  a  promissory 
note  for  it,  knowing  well  that  the  excellent  lady 
whose  property  the  lands  are,  would  not  suffer 
him  to  be  impoverished.  The  people  knew  this 
also,  but  none  took  advantage  of  it,  all  were  occu- 
pied in  economizing  to  the  utmost,  till  one  after 
another  they  had  repaid  their  debt.  Thus  they 
obtained  not  only  the  great  blessing  of  necessary 
food,  but  preserved  the  still  greater  blessing  of  in- 
tegrity, and  a  spirit  free  from  covetousness. 

It  is  a  rule  in  this  and  the  other  isles  of  the  He- 
brides, that  when  a  man  meets  a  stray  sheep  on 
the  moor,  he  is  entitled  to  carry  it  home  as  his 
own,  and  obliged  to  make  an  equivalent  offering  in 
the  collection  for  the  poor  on  the  Sabbath  day. 
After  the  commencement  of  the  revival  in  the 
Lewis,  many  came  to  confess  to  their  minister  the 
trouble  of  conscience  they  experienced  by  reason 
of  having  what  they  called  a  black  sheep  in  their 
flocks — some  having  had  them  for  several  winters. 
The  minister  always  directed  them  to  make  resti- 
tution now  in  the  appointed  way ;  and  in  one  sea- 
son, the  sum  ot  sixteen  pounds  was  deposited  in 
the  plate.  The  number  of  sheep  annually  lost  has 
wonderfully  diminished  since  the  commencement 
of  the  revival,  leading  to  the  conclusion,  that  the 
loss  imputed  to  accident  arose  from  dishonesty. 

3.  The  Christian  liberality  of  the  people. — It 
has  long  been  the  custom  to  make  a  collection  at 
the  Thursday  lecture,  for  the  most  necessiious 
persons  in  the  district  where  the  lecture  is  held — 
and  thus,  without  poor  rates,  these  people  support 
their  own  poor.  For  many  years  they  have  con- 
tributed thirteen  pounds  or  upwards  to  the  Gaelic 
School  Society,  sometimes  sixteen  pounds,  and  one 


128  REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 

year,  when  the  society  was  in  difficulty,  the  con- 
tribution amounted  to  twenty  pounds.  On  trans- 
mitting sixteen  pounds,  which  was  the  sum  col- 
lected in  Uig  in  1830,  Mr.  McLeod  remarks — 
"  Considering  the  circumstances  of  the  people,  I 
bear  testimony,  that  their  liberality  and  zeal  in  this 
case  have  cause  to  provoke  very  many  to  similar 
duties.  It  was  most  delightful  to  see  the  hoary 
head,  and  the  young  scholar  of  eight  or  nine  years, 
joining  in  this  contribution.  The  will  preponder- 
ates over  our  purse,  so  that  we  cannot  do  exactly 
what  we  would."  In  1831,  Mr.  McLeod,  while 
he  petitions  that  a  teacher  may  not  be  removed 
from  his  present  station  for  another  year,  says,  "a 
poor  man  in  that  station  declared  to  me  lately,  that 
should  the  directors  demand  one  of  his  cows,  he 
would  readily  give  one  before  he  would  part  with 
the  teacher." 

The  journal  of  the  superintendent,  in  stating  the 
examination  of  one  of  the  schools  in  Uig,  mentions 
the  case  of  a  man,  named  Norman  McLeod,  who 
is  one  of  the  many  hundreds  of  souls  on  the  isle 
of  Lewis,  that  have  come  out  of  gross  darkness, 
into  the  sweet  and  blessed  light  of  the  knowledge 
of  God,  partly  by  means  of  the  GeeUc  schools,  and 
partly  by  the  ministration  of  the  truth.  "  Norman 
McLeod  is  a  native  of  this  parish,  and  at  an  early 
age  enlisted  into  the  army,  went  abroad,  and  was 
in  several  engagements."  "  Balls,"  say  he,  "whiz- 
zed about  me  in  numbers,  but  the  Lord  directed 
them  so  that  they  did  me  no  harm."  He  was  in 
Egypt,  and  there  lived  in  drunkenness  and  profli- 
gacy. "  There,"  says  he  in  his  native  Gaslic, 
"  the  Lord  took  from  me  my  bodily  sight.  I  came 
home,  and  on  the  way  was  wonderfully  preserved. 
At  length  I  found  myself  in  my  native  land.  Here 


ISLAND    OF    LEWIS.  129 

I  found  things  not  as  I  left  tbem.  I  found  the 
Bible  of  God,  of  which  I  was  totally  ignorant, 
among  my  friends;  and  schools  amongst  them  for 
teaching  the  knowledge  of  that  blessed  book.  I 
found  such  a  work  among  them  with  Bibles  and 
schools  as  was  altogether  new  to  me.  Nay  the 
very  children  would  correct  and  reprove  me,  though 
an  old  man.  In  one  of  these  schools  the  Bible 
caught  my  ear;  it  sunk  into  my  heart;  it  there 
opened  an  eye  that  sin  had  ever  kept  sealed ;  it 
read  to  me  my  deeds ;  it  led  me  to  trace  my  former 
ways  ;  yea,  times,  places,  and  deeds  that  were  quite 
banished  from  my  memory,  were  recalled  into  full 
view.  It  recorded  a  black  cataloo^ue  aojainst  me, 
and  seemed  to  fix  my  portion  amongst  the  damned. 
I  thought  my  case  altogether  a  hopeless  one,  but 
the  same  Bible  brought  to  my  ears  tidings  of  un- 
utterable worth — salvation  through  a  crucified  Sa- 
viour." 

The  superintendent  mentions  this  as  a  preface 
to  a  little  story,  "  which,  were  the  honesty  and 
simplicity  of  the  old  man  known  to  the  reader, 
would  be  considered  more  interesting  still." 

"  I  began,"  said  Norman  to  his  minister,  "  to 
think  how  these  Gaelic  schools  came  to  be  planted 
in  my  country.  I  thought  on  the  state  of  my  coun- 
try when  I  knew  it  before  in  my  youth,  and  on  the 
blessed  fruits  of  these  schools  among  my  kindred. 
I  contrasted  both,  and  wondered,  and  thought,  and 
wondered  again.  Said  I,  what  is  this?  What  a  change 
of  things !  Blessed  God  !  Blessed  Bible !  Blessed 
people,  that  sent  these  schools !  and  blessed  schools, 
that  teach  the  Bible  of  God  to  perishing^sinners !  and 
blessed  teachers,  men  of  Christ!  I  thought  what 
would  my  poor  country  be,  but  for  the  Bible  and 
these  schools.  I  was  led  into  their  history,  and  traced 


130 


REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 


them  to  a  Society  in  Edinburgh.  They  engrossed 
my  attention,  and  I  thought  them  really  the  schools 
of  Christ.  I  thought  I  would  pray  for  them,  and  so 
I  did;  but  this,  thought  I,  is  not  enough.  When 
the  Lord  took  away  my  eyesight,  he  gave  me  a 
pension ;  I  thought  I  should  give  some  of  that  to 
help  his  schools.  A  public  collection  was  pro- 
posed by  you.  I  felt  happy  at  this,  and  prayed 
that  the  Lord  might  open  na  sporain  dhubba  (that 
is,  the  black  purses,  an  appellation  given  to  the 
purses  of  greedy  worldlings,)  and  I  myself  gave 
two  shillings.  When  a  collection  was  proposed 
this  year,  '  I  think,'  said  I  to  myself,  'I  shall  give 
this  year  four  shillings — double  what  I  gave  last.' 
'  It  is  enough  for  you,'  said  something  within  me, 
'  to  give  what  you  gave  last  year — two  shillings.'  " 
Here  follows  a  long  and  most  original  debate  be- 
tween Norman  with  the  enlarged  and  melted  heart, 
and  the  old  worldly-wise  Norman.  Sometimes  he 
would  give  double,  then  five,  then  ten,  then  back 
to  five.  During  all  this  debate  he  was  in  great 
agitation,  having,  as  he  felt,  lifted  up  his  hand  to 
the  Lord  that  he  would  give  so  much.  He  thought 
of  Ananias  and  Sapphira,  and  dared  not  go  back; 
while  the  same  inward  voice  asked  him, '  Ah  !  Nor- 
man, what  are  you  about?  you  are  now  going  crazy 
altogether;  you  are  a  poor  blind  man,  you  cannot 
work,  you  have  a  family  of  seven  to  support,  and 
the  money  God  gave  you  as  a  provision  for  your 
family,  you  should  apply  to  the  object  for  which 
it  was  given,  which  will  be  most  acceptable  to 
Him,  &c.' 

"  I  then  began  to  ruminate  on  the  whole  process, 
and  at  length  I  thought  my  opposition  might  be  the 
suggestion  of  Satan,  to  keep  me  from  giving  so 
much  to  the  cause  of  Christ.     On  reflecting  on  this 


ISLAND    OF    LEWIS. 


131 


for  a  while,  I  felt  convinced  it  was  he.  I  started 
upon  my  legs,  and,  lifting  up  my  hand  with  de- 
fiance, 1  said  'Ah!  you  devil,  I  will  give  a  score 
of  them.  I  will  give  a  pound  note  every  year  I 
live,  so  the  farther  you  follow  me,  the  more  you 
shall  lose.'  From  that  moment  the  temptation 
ceased." 

In  1835,  when  in  addition  to  all  their  usual  col- 
lections, they  in  one  day  at  church  gathered  £20 
for  church  extension,  they  were  favoured  with  such 
a  successful  fishing  season,  as  enabled  them  to  sup- 
ply all  the  wants  of  the  winter.  The  fishing  had 
for  many  years  failed;  and  the  people  observed 
that,  by  means  of  this  wealth  bestowed  on  them 
from  the  sea  in  1835,  they  were  amply  repaid  for 
all  they  had  been  enabled  to  give.  This  is  another 
of  those  facts  which  we  note  to  the  glory  of  Him 
who  is  nigh  unto  all  them  that  fear  him.  He 
knoweth  what  we  have  need  of,  and  they  who  scat- 
ter in  faith  shall  still  increase.  Let  not  any  of 
those  contributors  shrink  from  this  mention  of  the 
gracious  dealing  of  God  with  them.  The  effort  of 
their  liberality  was  known  to  those  interested  in 
the  Church  Extension  Scheme,  and  the  plentiful 
fishing  was  told  in  the  newspapers.  May  those 
who  see  the  divine  hand  give  Him  the  praise ! 

One  feature  of  this  revival  peculiarly  interesting, 
is  that  souls  of  all  ages  have  been  aff"ected,  from 
the  infant  of  three  years  to  the  man  verging  on  a 
hundred.  We  present  a  notice  of  the  youngest, 
and  one  of  the  oldest  within  our  knowledge. 

Catherine  Smith  was  a  native  of  Pabay,  a  small 
island  in  Loch  Roag,  where  dwell  seven  families. 
From  their  insular  situation  and  poverty,  it  has  not 
been  in  the  power  of  the  parents  to  educate  their 
children;    but  little  Kitty  is  an  example   of  the 


132 


REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 


truth,  that  all  God's  children  are  taught  of  him  ; 
for,  when  only  two  years  old,  she  was  observed  to 
lay  aside  her  playthings,  and  clasp  her  litde  hands 
with  reverence  during  family  worship;  and  at  the 
age  of  three  she  was  in  the  habit  of  repeating  the 
23d  Psalm,  with  such  relish  and  fervour  as  showed 
that  she  looked  to  the  good  Shepherd  in  the  charac- 
ter of  a  lamb  of  his  flock.  Her  parents  taught  her 
also  the  Lord's  Prayer,  which  she  repeated  duly, 
not  only  at  her  stated  times,  but  often  in  the  silence 
of  the  night.  She  frequendy  pressed  the  duty  of 
prayc,  not  only  on  the  other  children,  but  on  her 
parents ;  and  she  told  her  father  that,  in  their  ab- 
sence, when  she  would  ask  a  blessing  on  the  food 
left  for  the  children,  her  brothers  and  sisters  would 
mock  at  and  beat  her  for  doing  so. 

The  Rev.  J.  Macdonald  of  Farintosh  having 
preached  in  the  parish  of  Uig,  Kitty's  parents  were 
among  the  many  who  went  to  hear  him.  On  their 
return  they  mentioned  what  he  had  said  about  the 
formality  of  much  that  is  called  prayer,  and  the 
ignorance  of  many  as  to  its  spirituality ;  they  stated, 
according  to  their  recollection  of  the  sermon,  that 
many  had  old  useless  prayers,  and  greatly  needed 
to  learn  to  pray  with  the  Spirit.  The  child  ob- 
served this,  and  two  days  after,  said  to  her  mother, 
"  it  is  time  for  me  to  give  over  my  old  form  of 
prayer."  Her  mother  replied,  "  neither  you  nor 
your  prayers  are  old;"  but  she  rejoined,  "  I  must 
give  them  over,  and  use  the  prayers  which  the 
Lord  will  teach  me."  After  this  she  withdrew  to 
retired  spots  for  prayer.  At  one  time  her  younger 
sister  returned  without  her,  and  on  being  asked 
where  she  had  left  Kitty,  she  said,  "  I  left  her  pray- 
ing." Her  father  says  that  he  has  often  sat  up  in 
the  bed  listening  to  her  sweet  young  voice,  pre- 


ISLAND    OF    LEWIS. 


133 


senling  this  petition  with  heartfelt  earnestness, 
"  Oh,  redeem  me  from  spiritual  and  eternal  death." 

From  the  remoteness  of  her  dwelling-,  Kilty  had 
never  attended  any  place  of  public  worship, — but 
the  Sabbath  was  her  delight, — and  often  would  she 
call  her  brothers  and  sisters  from  the  play  in  which 
they  were  thoughtlessly  engaged,  asking  them  to 
join  in  prayer  and  other  devout  exercises,  and  warn- 
ing them,  that  if  they  profaned  the  day,  and  disliked 
God's  worship,  they  must  perish.  Her  mother 
observing  the  intent  gaze  with  which  she  looked  on 
a  large  fire,  inquired  what  she  saw  in  that  fire? 
She  replied,  "  I  am  seeing  that  my  state  would  be 
awful  if  I  were  to  fall  into  that  fire,  even  though  I 
should  be  immediately  taken  out;  but  woe  is  me, 
those  who  are  cast  into  hell  fire  will  never  come 
out  thence."  Another  day,  when  walking  by  the 
side  of  a  precipice,  and  looking  down,  she  exclaim- 
ed to  her  mother,  "how  fearful  would  our  state  be 
if  we  were  to  fall  down  this  rock,  even  though  we 
should  be  lifted  up  again  ;  but  they  that  are  cast 
into  the  depths  of  hell  will  never  be  raised  there- 
from'." 

One  day  her  mother  found  her  lying  on  a  bench 
with  a  sad  countenance,  and  addressed  some  jocu- 
lar words  to  her  with  a  view  to  cheer  lier.  But  the 
child's  heart  was  occupied  with  solemn  thoughts  of 
eternity  ;  and  instead  of  smiling,  she  answered 
gravely,  "  Oh,  mother,  you  are  vexing  my  spirit, 
I  would  rather  hear  you  praying."  In  truth  eternity 
was  very  near  her,  and  the  Spirit  of  God  was  pre- 
paring her  for  it.  As  she  got  up  one  morning,  she 
said,  "  Oh,  are  we  not  wicked  creatures  who  have 
put  Christ  to  death?"  Her  mother,  curious  to  hear 
what  one  so  young  could  say  on  such  a  subject, 
replied,  "  Christ  was  put  to  death,  Kitty,  long  be- 


134 


REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 


fore  we  were  born."  The  child,  speaking  with  an 
understanding  heart,  said,  "  Mother,  I  am  younger 
than  you,  but  my  sins  were  crucifying  him." 
After  a  pause,  she  added,  "  what  a  wonder  that 
Christ  could  be  put  to  death  when  he  himself  was 
God,  and  had  power  to  kill  every  one,  indeed  they 
only  put  him  to  death  as  man,  for  it  is  impossible 
to  kill  God."  She  used  often  to  repeat  passages 
from  Peter  Grant's  spiritual  songs,  such  as,  "  It  is 
the  blood  of  the  Lamb  that  precious  is."  When 
she  came  to  the  conclusion  of  the  verse,  "  It  is  not 
valued  according  to  its  worth,"  she  would,  in  touch- 
ing terms,  lament  the  sad  truth,  that  His  blood  is 
so  lightly  thought  of.  Being  present  when  some 
pious  persons  spoke  of  those  in  Rev.  vii,  who 
have  washed  their  robes  and  made  them  white  in 
the  blood  of  the  Lamb,  she  said,  "  Is  it  not  wonder- 
ful that,  while  other  blood  stains  what  is  dipt  in  it, 
this  cleanses  and  makes  while?" 

Murdoch  McLeod  being  engaged  in  the  valu- 
able duties  of  a  Scottish  elder  in  the  liitle  island  of 
Pabay,  Kitty  wished  to  hear  him,  but  from  bash- 
fulness  was  ashamed  to  enter  the  house  where  he 
was  employed  in  worship;  she  therefore  climbed 
up  to  the  window  and  sat  there  till  all  was  over. 
Being  asked  what  she  had  heard,  she  said  she  was 
amazed  to  hear  that  Christ  offered  himself  as  a 
Saviour  to  many  in  our  land  who  rejected  him,  and 
that  he  was  now  going  to  other  and  more  remote 
quarters  to  win  souls.  She  then  added  with  the 
pathos  of  a  full  heart,  "Oh,  who  knows  but  he 
may  return  here  again  !" 

Soon  after  she  had  completed  her  seventh  year, 
she  was  attacked  by  that  sickness  which  opened 
her  way  to  the  kingdom  of  Heaven,  and  in  Decem- 
ber, 1829,  this  lowly  child  was  carried  from  her 


ISLAND    OF    LEWIS. 


135 


poor  native  island  to  the  blessed  region  where  the 
redeemed  of  the  Lord  find  their  home ;  and  her 
name  has  left  a  sweet  perfume  behind  it. 

From  this  most  satisfactory  and  authentic  ac- 
count of  the  blessed  state  of  one  of  the  youngest 
souls  brought  to  Christ,  during  the  revival  at  the 
Lewis,  which  strongly  reminds  us  of  the  narrative 
of  a  child  of  equally  tender  years  detailed  by  Jona- 
than Edwards,  we  turn  to  an  aged  man  named 
Malcolm  McLeod.  Malcolm  had  reached  the  great 
age  of  ninety-five,  without  experiencing  repentance 
unto  life.  Infirmity  had  for  some  time  prevented 
him  from  attending  public  worship,  and  as  far  as 
man  might  judge,  his  decaying  faculties  were  fast 
shutting  up  the  avenues  to  the  soul,  and  he  was 
less  likely  than  many  to  become  the  subject  of 
converting  grace.  But  the  Lord  saw  it  not  so.  In 
October  or  November,  1834,  his  pious  daughter 
brought  home  notes  of  a  sermon  she  had  been  hear- 
ing, which  were  made  the  means  of  serious  im- 
pression to  her  father,  and  he  is  going  on  in  a  very 
promising  progress  in  the  divine  life.  Though  he 
is  becoming  blind  with  age,  his  mental  faculties 
are  entire,  and  the  whole  man  is  enlivened,  having 
received  a  stimulus  which  arouses  his  attention, 
sharpens  his  understanding,  and  interests  his  heart. 
Instead  of  dozing  away  his  hours,  he  now  sleeps 
very  litde;  prayer  and  praise  have  also  become  his 
principal  food.  His  gladpastor  says  of  him,  "He 
is  a  most  interesting  sight,  caught  at  the  eleventh 
hour;  0  how  wonderful  are  the  ways  of  sovereign 
grace!"  With  his  usual  faithfulness,  Mr.  McLeod 
ministers  to  him  in  private,  and  lately  preached  at 
his  bedside,  on  the  man  who  was  thirty-eight  years 
at  the  pool.  And  at  the  last  season  of  communion 
the  venerable  man  was  borne  by  four  friends  and 


136  REVIVALS    OP    RELIGION. 

placed  at  the  table  of  his  Lord,  with  tears  of  sor- 
row for  past  profanation  of  that  privilege,  coursing 
each  other  over  his  furrow^ed  cheeks,  and  of  grate- 
ful love  for  present  blessings.  The  whole  multi- 
tude were  moved,  every  eye  glistening  in  sweet 
sympathy  with  his  feelings.  When  we  hear  such 
things,  may  we  not  justly  exclaim,  "  what  has  God 
wrought!" 

In  1835,  the  Rev.  A.  McLeod  visited  some  of 
the  other  western  isles  to  ascertain  their  state,  and 
was  much  moved  to  see  the  isle  of  Tyree  in  parti- 
cular, fortified  against  gospel  truth,  by  the  opposi- 
tion of  those  having  influence,  and  the  natural  ig- 
norance and  corruption  of  the  people.  His  heart 
has  not  found  rest  without  suggesting  means  to 
*'  assault  the  ancient  garrison,"  so  that  they  may 
in  the  Lord's  good  time  subdue  and  *'  drive  the 
Canaanite  out  of  the  land."  But  that  which  brings 
the  visit  to  Tyree  under  our  peculiar  notice,  is  the 
efTect  produced  on  the  people  of  Uig,  when  their 
pastor  again  reached  home,  and  related  to  them 
v;hat  he  had  witnessed.  He  frequendy  had  occa- 
sion to  observe,  that  after  a  short  absence,  not  only 
was  the  love  of  his  people  increased,  but  their  zeal 
to  run  their  Christian  course  also.  On  hearing  of 
the  deplorable  ignorance  and  wickedness  to  be  met 
with  in  the  isle  of  Tyree,  several  of  Mr.  McLeod's 
people  who  were  then  as  careless  as  they,  were 
brought  under  concern;  and  when  they  heard  of 
the  religious  views  entertained  by  some  of  these 
islanders,  they  were  convicted  with  having  secret- 
ly cherished  similar  opinions,  although  they  were 
daily  favoured  with  gospel  ordinances.  Since  No- 
vember in  particular,  there  has  been  much  religious 
impression  amongst  the  people,  silent  tears,  in 
general,  pervading  the  whole  congregation.     This 


ISLAND    OF    LEWIS. 


137 


used  to  be  the  case  during  the  long  time  that  wor- 
ship was  held  in  the  field,  while  the  church  was 
building,  but  had  subsided  in  a  degree  since  ihey 
occupied  the  new  church,  till  this  fresh  awakening 
has  melted  many  new  hearts,  and  refreshed  many 
who  had  been  previously  awakened.  It  is  a  fact 
worthy  of  observation,  that  during  ten  years  in 
which  this  work  of  grace  has  made  a  steady  pro- 
gress, there  has  not  been  one  outbreaking  of  en- 
thusiasm, or  delusion,  or  false  doctrine,  so  that  their 
minister  expressed  great  astonishment  and  thank- 
fulness, after  reading  Dr.  Sprague's  work  on  Ame- 
rican Revivals,  that  they  have  been  so  graciously 
preserved  from  the  extravagance  and  error  which 
has  in  some  few  instances  broken  in  to  injure  the 
integrity  of  the  work  in  America. 

In  considering  the  state  of  things  in  the  parish 
of  Uig,  we  are  disposed  to  rejoice  over  it  more 
than  over  any  other  Scottish  Revival.  Its  calm,  and 
deep,  and  prolonged  flow,  and  its  sincerity,  may 
be  imputed  to  some  natural  and  obvious  causes. 
God  has  vouchsafed  to  them  for  ten  years  the  minis- 
trations of  a  man,  whose  method  is  consistent,  and 
now  well  understood  by  them.  He  has  been  pre- 
served in  prayerful  humility  as  their  watchman, 
and  saved  from  in  any  way  casting  a  stumbling- 
block  in  their  way.  The  ministers  who  have  been 
placed  in  the  neighbouring  churches  (two  of  which 
are  government  churches  that  have  within  a  few 
years  been  opened  on  the  island)  are  men  who 
greatly  strengthen  his  hands  by  preaching  not  "  an- 
other gospel"  but  the  same  doctrine  with  himself, 
thus  avoiding  distraction  and  perplexity.  Though 
Uig  be  the  most  enlivened  spot,  the  revival  is  by 
no  means  limited  to  that  parish.  There  has  been 
no  variety  of  sects  introducing  controversy  and 


138 


REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 


Strife,  or  withdrawing  men's  minds  from  the  essen- 
tials that  concern  their  own  souls,  to  fix  them  on 
the  less  weighty  forms  of  church  government,  or 
questions  of  no  profit.  In  this  respect,  truth  has 
had  a  fairer  entrance  to  the  mind,  and  prayer  has 
not  been  hindered.  At  Arran  there  seemed  to  be  a 
tendency  in  some  to  yield  to  bodily  excitement  and 
nervous  emotions,  which  their  results  proved  not 
to  have  been  genuine  workings  of  the  renewed 
heart.  In  Glenlyon,  the  spirit  of  controversy  met 
and  drove  back  the  spirit  of  contrition.  At  Mou- 
lin, the  removal  of  the  faithful  instructor  left  the 
sheep  to  be  scattered.  But  in  Lewis,  hitherto  the 
Lord  hath  upheld  and  sheltered  his  flock  from  such 
dangers,  and  the  spirit  of  faith  and  prayer,  and  a 
sound  mind,  is  preserved  amongst  them.  May  it 
never  die  away,  but  from  this  distant  spot  may  the 
blessed  wave  of  salvation  swell  and  rise,  till  it  shall 
overflow  the  land,  and  gather  in  every  county, 
every  parish,  and  every  soul  to  the  kingdom  of 
our  God  and  of  his  Christ! 


139 


PART  IX 


WALES,   1649—1794. 


While  the  efforts  of  the  Reformers  from  Popery- 
were  exerted  to  spread  abroad  the  blessed  light  of 
the  Reformation  throughout  England  and  Scotland, 
the  principality  of  Wales  seems  to  have  been  com- 
paratively neglected.  This  may  have  been  owing 
to  the  difference  of  language  and  the  difficulty  of 
access  to  a  population  scattered  over  a  mountainous 
country. 

Shortly  after  the  meeting  of  the  famous  West- 
minster Assembly,  public  attention  was  directed  to 
the  spiritual  condition  of  Wales.  It  was  found  on 
inquiry  that  the  inhabitants  were  in  a  most  desti- 
tute state  as  regarded  the  means  of  religious  instruc- 
tion: the  few  clergymen  they  had  were  ignorant 
and  idle,  and  the  people  had  neither  bibles  nor 
catechisms  in  their  own  language.  Tlie  Parlia- 
ment, taking  their  case  into  consideration,  on  the 
22d  of  February,  1649,  passed  an  act  for  the  better 
propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Wales  ;  and,  for  car- 
rying the  act  into  effect,  appointed  commissioners 
to  visit  the  country,  and  ascertain  the  destitution, 
and  apply  an  immediate  remedy.     Such  was  the 


140  REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 

diligence  of  the  commissioners  in  this  good  work, 
that  in  the  short  space  of  three  years  they  settled 
one  hundred  and  fifty  pious  ministers  in  the  thir- 
teen Welsh  counties ;  and  in  every  market  town 
they  had  placed  one  schoolmaster,  and  in  the  larger 
towns  two,  all  of  them  men  who  had  received  a 
university  education.  In  the  prosecution  of  their 
work,  the  commissioners  found  great  difficulty  in 
procuring  a  succession  of  ministers  able  to  preach 
in  the  Welsh  language.  And  in  order  to  meet  the 
exigency  of  the  case,  they  appointed  thirty  preach- 
ers to  itinerate  over  the  country;  these,  however, 
were  found  insufficient  for  overtaking  the  destitu- 
tion, and  to  supply  the  deficiency,  they  permitted 
persons  of  approved  piety  to  go  amongst  the  peo- 
ple to  read  to  them  the  Bible,  and  converse  with 
them  about  those  things  that  pertained  to  their  ever- 
lasting peace. 

These  exertions  on  the  part  of  the  government 
ended  with  the  restoration  of  Charles  the  Second ; 
and  the  further  improvement  of  Wales  was  left 
very  much  to  the  individual  exertions  of  persons 
specially  raised  up  by  Providence  for  the  work. 
One  of  those  instruments  was  Mr.  Hugh  Owen. 
He  was  a  candidate  for  the  ministry  when  the  Act 
of  Uniformity  came  forth,  and  not  feeling  himself 
at  liberty  to  comply  with  its  terms,  he  settled  down 
in  Merionethshire,  upon  an  estate  of  his  own  in 
that  country,  and  occupied  his  time  in  preaching 
the  gospel  to  the  poor  ignorant  people  :  his  manner 
was  affectionate  and  moving,  and  many  were  much 
benefitted  by  his  preaching.  He  went  about  de- 
claring the  gospel  of  salvation  throughout  Merion- 
ethshire, and  the  neighbouring  counties  of  Mont- 
gomery and  Caernarvon.  He  had  stations  in  all 
these  places,  some  of  them  twenty  and  thirty  miles 


WALES. 


141 


from  his  own  residence.  He  performed  liis  cir- 
cuit in  about  three  months,  and  then  began  again. 
Great  numbers  attended  his  ministry.  He  laboured 
indefatigably,  and  impaired  liis  health  by  riding 
often  during  the  night,  and  in  cold  stormy  weather, 
over  the  mountains.  He  was  a  primitive  aposto- 
lical Christian,  meek  and  humble;  and  would  often 
style  himself  less  than  the  least  of  all  the  ministers 
of  Jesus  Christ.  He  died,  after  a  life  of  much  use- 
fulness, in  1697,  aged  sixty-two.  Another  bene- 
factor to  Wales  was  Mr.  Thomas  Gouge.  He  was 
ejected  from  St.  Sepulchre's,  London,  by  the  Act 
of  Uniformity.  Prevented  by  this  odious  enact- 
ment from  exercising  his  ministry,  Providence  di- 
rected his  attention  to  Wales;  and  at  the  advanced 
age  of  between  sixty  and  seventy  years,  he  began 
itinerating  through  that  country,  preaching  the  gos- 
pel; and  although  much  opposed,  he  remembered 
the  injunction  of  his  Master,  "  when  they  perse- 
cute you  in  this  city,  flee  ye  into  another."  Not 
content  with  preaching  to  the  old,  he  set  about 
providing  means  of  instruction  for  the  young,  and 
was  instrumental  in  establishing  free  schools  in 
many  of  the  towns  he  visited.  He  also  got  print- 
ed an  edition  of  eight  thousand  copies  of  the  Scrip- 
tures in  the  Welsh  language;  one  thousand  of 
which  he  gave  gratis  to  those  who  were  unable  to 
pay,  and  the  rest  were  sold  at  a  reduced  price.  In 
addition  to  this,  he  got  printed  for  the  schools,  a 
catechism  and  several  other  useful  books,  all  in 
the  native  tongue.  From  an  account  published  in 
1675,  of  his  labours,  we  find  that  he  had  estab- 
lished schools  in  fifty-one  of  the  chief  towns  in 
Wales,  and  that  in  these  schools  there  were  up- 
wards of  one  thousand  children  under  instruction. 
To  support  these  schools,  Mr.  Gouge  was  much 
13 


142  REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 

assisted  with  funds  by  the  friends  of  religion  in 
London  and  elsewhere.  In  this  good  work  he 
employed  all  his  time,  and  engaged  in  it  with  his 
whole  heart;  and  though  in  his  seventy-fiflh  year, 
he  still,  once  a-year,  and  sometimes  even  oftener, 
travelled  over  the  greater  part  of  Wales.  Such 
was  his  love  and  zeal  for  the  salvation  of  souls, 
and  diligence  and  activity  in  the  prosecution  of  his 
work,  that  all  the  pains  and  difficulties  he  had  to 
encounter  seemed  nothing,  if  he  could  only  follow 
the  example  of  his  Master  in  going  about  doing 
good. 

Nothing  particular  occurred  in  the  way  of  exer- 
tion to  promote  religion  in  Wales,  till  the  begin- 
ning of  the  last  century,  when  it  pleased  God  to 
raise  up  and  qualify  the  Rev.  Griffith  Jones  of 
Llandower,  Carmarthenshire,  who  at  this  period 
showed  himself  a  true  friend  to  his  countrymen, 
by  the  faithfulness  of  his  preaching,  and  unboun- 
ded charity  and  benevolence.  He  was  instrumental 
in  procuring  for  Wales,  two  editions  of  the  Bible, 
and  in  establishing  Free  Schools  for  the  children 
of  the  poor  in  many  parts  of  the  principality. 
From  the  year  1737  to  1760,  he  published  an 
annual  account  of  their  progress,  and  in  the  last 
mentioned  year,  their  number  had  amounted  to 
two  hundred  and  fifteen  Schools,  attended  by  eight 
thousand  six  hundred  and  eighty-seven  Scholars. 
Mr.  Jones  was  an  animated,  faithful,  and  laborious 
minister,  well  versed  in  the  Scriptures,  and  was 
honoured  with  much  success.  He  did  not  confine 
his  labours  to  his  own  flock,  but  frequently  itine- 
rated throughout  the  neighbouring  parishes.  It  has 
been  said  that  Mr.  Howel  Harris  was  one  of  the 
fruits  of  his  ministry.  This  gentleman  was  a  na- 
tive of  Trevecca,  in  Brecknockshire.     He  intended 


WALES.  143 

to  enter  the  ministry  in  connection  with  the  Estab- 
lished Church,  and  with  this  view  entered  himself 
a  Student  in  one  of  the  colleges  at  Oxford.  He 
soon  became  disgusted  at  the  conduct  he  wit- 
nessed there,  and  returned  to  his  friends  in  Wales. 
He  was  not  long  at  home  before  he  ventured  to  go 
from  house  to  house  in  his  native  parish,  to  speak 
to  the  people  about  their  everlasting  interests.  He 
gradually  extended  his  labours  to  the  adjoining 
parishes  :  his  fame  soon  spread  over  the  whole 
country,  and  great  multitudes  attended  his  meetings. 
It  is  said  that  such  was  the  power  and  authority 
with  which  he  delivered  his  exhortations,  that  many 
could  not  refrain  from  crying  out  aloud,  being  over- 
powered by  a  sense  of  their  own  sinfulness  in  the 
sight  of  a  holy  God.  Family  worship  was  now 
set  up  in  many  a  house  which  hitherto  had  never 
heard  the  voice  of  prayer.  The  enemy  could  no 
longer  remain  inactive,  and  offered  every  opposi- 
tion in  his  power  by  means  of  mocking,  derision, 
and  threatening.  Nothing  daunted  by  these  annoy- 
ances, Mr.  Harris  persevered  in  his  labours  of  love. 
About  the  year  1736,  he  established  a  school  at 
Trevecca,  to  which  many  of  the  youth  came  to  be 
more  largely  instructed  in  the  things  which  con- 
cerned their  souls.  The  success  which  attended 
liis  labours  among  the  young  in  Trevecca,  encour- 
aged Mr.  Harris  to  establish  in  several  other  places, 
regular  meetings  of  serious  persons  for  prayer  and 
religious  conversation.  This  was  the  commence- 
ment of  the  private  societies  which  have  ever  since 
formed  a  principal  feature  by  which  the  Welsh 
Calvinistic  Methodists  may  be  distinguished  from 
other  denominations  of  professing  Christians  in  that 
country.  The  number  of  these  meetings  rapidly 
increased;  for  in  the  short  space  of  three  years 


144  REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 

there  vrere  no  less  than  tiiree  hundred  Societies  in 
South  Wales,  all  of  them  owing  their  origin  to  Mr. 
Harris's  exertions.  Referring  to  this  period  in  a 
letter  to  the  Rev.  George  Whiteneld,  Mr.  Harris 
thus  writes.  "  I  have  most  glorious  news  to  send 
you  from  Wales  of  the  success  attending  brother 
Rowlands  and  many  others.  They  are  wounded 
by  scores,  and  flock  to  hear  the  word  by  thousands. 
There  is  another  clergyman  coming  out  sweetly 
and  united  to  us,  and  another  young  curate  not  far 
from  Mr.  Griffith  Jones  under  strong  drawings 
and  convictions.  There  are  now  in  Wales  ten 
clergymen  who  are  wonderfully  owned  of,  by  ihe 
Lord  Jesus  Christ — five  beneficed  and  five  settled 
in  curacies."  The  first  minister  of  the  Establish- 
ment who  ventured  to  assist  Mr.  Harris  in  promo- 
ting the  spread  of  religion  in  Wales,  was  the  Rev- 
erend and  justly  renowned  Daniel  Rowlands  of 
Llangeitho.  Such  was  this  minister's  popularity 
and  eloquence,  that  persons  have  been  known  to 
come  the  distance  of  one  hundred  miles  to  hear 
him  preach,  and  attend  the  dispensation  of  the 
Lord's  Supper.  Under  his  ministry  there  were 
several  awakenings  to  a  considerable  extent.  The 
first  took  place  when  he  was  at  prayer  in  the 
church;  the  effect  was  astonishing:  the  people 
were  melted  into  tears  and  wept  loudly.  This 
awakening  spread  throughout  the  three  parishes 
under  his  pastoral  care,  and  many  were  savingly 
impressed.  The  next  commenced  at  a  prayer 
meeting  in  Llangeitho  chapel.  Six  or  seven  of 
these  Revivals  took  place  during  the  life-time  of 
Mr.  Rowlands,  some  of  them  occurring  at  intervals 
of  seven  years.  Speaking  of  this  period,  White- 
field  remarks,  in  his  own  warm  energetic  language, 
"  Blessed  be  God,  there  seems  to  be  a  noble  spirit 


WALES.  145 

gone  out  into  Wales.  People  make  nothing  of  com- 
ing twenty  miles  to  hear  a  sermon,  and  great  num- 
bers there  are  who  have  not  only  been  hearers  but 
doers  also  of  the  word,  so  that  there  is  a  most  com- 
fortable prospect  of  the  spreading  of  the  Gospel  in 
Wales."  At  one  of  these  awakenings  it  is  said 
many  hundreds,  and  even  thousands  were  under- 
stood to  be  savingly  impressed.  One  of  the  happy 
fruits  of  Mr.  Rowlands'  ministry  was  the  Rev. 
Thomas  Charles,  afterwards  of  Bala,  a  memoir  of 
whom  has  been  published  by  the  Rev.  Edward 
Morgan,  and  to  which  we  are  indebted  for  the  nar- 
rative of  the  revival  of  religion  at  Bala  under  Mr. 
Charles's  ministry.  We  shall  give  the  narrative 
of  Mr.  Charles's  reception  of  the  truth  in  his  own 
words : 

"  On  January  20,  1773,  (in  his  eighteenth  year,) 
1  went  to  hear  Mr.  Rowlands  preach  at  Newchapel ; 
his  text  was  Heb.  iv.  15.  This  is  a  day  much  to 
be  remembered  by  me  as  long  as  I  live.  Ever 
since  that  happy  day  I  have  lived  in  a  new  heaven 
and  a  new  earth.  The  change  which  a  blind  man 
who  receives  his  sight  experiences,  does  not  exceed 
the  change  which  at  this  time  I  experienced  in  my 
jnind.  It  was  then  I  was  first  convinced  of  the  sin 
of  unbelief,  or  of  entertaining  narrow,  contracted, 
and  hard  thoughts  of  the  Almighty.  I  had  such  a 
view  of  Christ  as  our  High  Priest,  of  his  love, 
compassion,  power,  and  all-sufficiency,  as  filled  my 
soul  with  astonishment,  with  joy  unspeakable,  and 
full  of  glory ;  my  mind  was  overwhelmed  and  filled 
with  amazement,  'i'he  truths  exhibited  to  my 
view  appeared  for  a  time  too  wonderfully  gracious 
to  be  believed;  I  could  not  believe  for  very  joy;  I 
had  before  some  ideas  of  the  Gospel  work  floating 
in  my  head,  but  they  never  powerfully  and  with 


146  REVIVALS    OF    RELIGIOiV. 

divine  energy  penetrated  my  heart  till  now."  Two 
years  after  this  remarkable  event  in  Mr.  Charles's 
history,  Providence  very  unexpectedly  opened  a 
Avay  for  his  being  educated  for  the  ministry  at  Ox- 
ford, where  he  remained  till  1778,  when  he  was 
ordained  to  preach  the  everlasting  Gospel.  Few 
men  have  entered  into  the  ministry  more  deeply 
impressed  with  the  solemn  responsibility  attached 
to  the  right  performance  of  its  duties;  and  here  we 
cannot  resist  quoting  from  the  memoir  formerly 
referred  to,  Mr.  Charles's  views  and  feelings  on 
this  interesting  occasion  ;  "  I  felt  an  earnest  desire 
that  the  Lord  would  enable  me  to  devote  myself 
wholly  to  his  service  during  the  remainder  of  my 
days  on  earth,  and  was  not  a  little  impressed  with 
the  sense  of  the  great  importance  of  the  charge  I 
had  taken  upon  me,  and  of  my  inability  to  dis- 
charge it  faithfully.  That  solemn  exhortation  and 
charge  in  Acts  xx.  28,  sounds  in  my  ears  day  and 
night.  Is  the  church  so  dear  and  precious  to 
Christ,  that  he  purchased  it  with  his  most  precious 
blood  ?  What  bowels  of  compassion  and  mercy 
then  should  I  exercise  towards  every  one,  even  the 
meanest  individual  in  it!  How  solicitous  should  I 
be  about  their  welfare,  how  anxious  about  their 
salvation  I  May  God  of  his  infinite  goodness  ena- 
ble me  to  be  faithful,  and  may  the  Spirit  of  Jehovah 
rest  upon  me  for  evermore."  Acting  under  such 
views,  Mr.  Charles  entered  upon  the  performance 
of  his  duties,  and  officiated  as  curate  in  several 
parishes,  till  1764.  Such,  hov/ever,  w^as  the  haired 
at  this  time  manifested  to  the  doctrines  he  preached, 
by  those  in  power  in  the  church,  that  he  was  forced 
to  resign  his  charges  one  after  another,  and  was  at 
last  literally  driven  to  exercise  his  ministry  beyond 
her  communion.     The  detail  of  his  life  during  this 


WALES.  147 

trying  period  is  deeply  interesting,  and  will  amply 
repay  an  attentive  perusal.  His  active  mind  would 
not  allow  him  to  be  wholly  unemployed.  The 
ignorance  which  prevailed  among  the  young  people 
at  Bala,  Merionethshire,  where  he  had  now  fixed 
his  residence,  excited  his  sympathy.  He  invited 
them  to  his  house  on  the  Sabbath  evenings  to  cate- 
chize them,  and  give  them  religious  instruction. 
His  manner  was  peculiarly  kind  and  atfeclionate, 
and  the  love  and  tenderness  with  which  he  ad- 
dressed them,  melted  them  into  tears.  His  house 
soon  became  too  small  to  contain  those  who  atten- 
ded, and  he  was  oflered  the  use  of  their  chapel  by 
the  Calvinislic  Methodists,  who  were  then,  and  for 
a  long  time  after,  connected  with  the  Established 
Church.  This  offer  he  gladly  accepted,  and  in- 
structed and  catechized  the  large  number  of  children 
who  attended.  This  work  was  the  delight  of  his 
heart,  and  was  the  commencement  of  Sabbath 
school  instruction  in  that  part  of  the  country. 
Shortly  after  this,  Mr.  Charles  began  preaching 
regularly  in  connection  with  the  Whitefield  or  Cal- 
vinistic  Methodists,  and  it  was  at  this  time  that  his 
active  labours  in  Wales  commenced.  He  was 
now  about  thirty  years  of  age,  and  not  a  novice 
either  in  religion  or  in  the  ministry.  Twelve 
years  had  elapsed  since  the  time  at  which  he  dates 
the  beginning  of  his  acquaintance  with  the  true  na- 
ture of  the  Gospel,  and  he  had  now  been  more  than 
seven  years  in  the  ministry.  He  had  passed 
through  a  series  of  mental  conflicts  with  the  evil  of 
his  own  heart  not  often  experienced,  and  had  also 
been  favoured  with  comforting  views  of  divine 
things  not  commonly  enjoyed.  The  field  of  labour 
on  which  Mr.  Charles  now  entered  was  very  un- 
promising.    True  religion,  says  his   biographer. 


148 


REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 


had,  for  the  mo5t  part,  forsaken  the  country.  Those 
who  possessed  a  knowledge  of  the  Gospel  were 
few,  when  compared  with  the  mass  of  the  people 
around  them,  who  were  sunk  to  the  lowest  depths 
of  ignorance  and  immorality.  The  Bible  was  al- 
most an  unknown  book,  and  in  many  parislies,  not 
even  ten  persons  could  be  found  capable  of  reading 
it.  In  the  summer  of  1785,  Mr.  Charles  attended 
the  Annual  Association  at  Llangeilho,  then  the 
principal  place  of  resort  to  all  the  religious  people 
throughout  the  principality.  He  preached  before 
the  Association,  and  the  great  and  venerable  Row- 
lands formerly  mentioned  was  one  of  his  hearers. 
This  aged  servant  of  Christ  had  great  penetration, 
and  instantly  perceived  that  Mr.  Charles  was  no 
common  man.  His  remark  on  the  occasion  was, 
"  Charles  is  a  gift  from  the  Lord  to  North  Wales ;" 
and  had  he  been  a  prophet,  he  could  not  have  ut- 
tered a  more  correct  prediction.  God  soon  began 
to  follow  with  a  remarkable  blessing,  the  labours  of 
Mr.  Charles.  In  September  of  the  same  year  he 
preached  atLoufudr,  Caernarvonshire.  Many  were 
deeply  impressed  during  the  discourse.  No  less 
apparent  was  the  power  which  accompanied  his 
preaching  soon  after,  at  an  association  held  at  Bon- 
tuchel,  near  Ruthin,  Denbighshire.  A  divine  unc- 
tion seemed  to  accompany  the  word.  Convictions 
of  the  strongest  kind  were  produced.  The  most 
hardened  sinners  were  broken  down,  and  made  to 
weep  loudly,  and  to  abhor  themselves  in  dust  and 
ashes."  Many,  depressed  under  a  sense  of  their 
sinfulness,  were  made  to  rejoice  in  the  salvation  of 
their  God,  being  filled  "with  joy  unspeakable,  and 
full  of  glory."  The  scene  at  times  was  most  in- 
teresting and  affecting :  hundreds  melted  into  tears  ; 
some  mourning  with  a  godly  sorrow  for  sin ;  others 


WALES.  ]  49 

weeping  for  joy,  and  exulting  in  a  glorious  Saviour; 
some  with  their  countenances  betraying  the  deepest 
grief,  becoming  those  who  were  crying  out,  "  what 
must  we  do  to  be  saved?"  The  faces  of  others 
again,  though  bedewed  with  tears,  were  glistening 
with  expressions  of  joy  and  thankfulness.  These 
effects  were  produced,  not  by  any  fanciful  or  ex- 
aggerated statement,  but  by  the  words  of  truth  and 
soberness;  and,  no  doubt,  accompanied  by  the 
power  and  demonstration  of  the  Spirit  of  God. 

Mr.  C.  had  an  active  and  inquisitive  mind,  always 
planning  and  contriving  something  to  forward  the 
interests  of  true  religion.  The  present  manner  of 
exercising  his  ministry,  afforded  him  opportunities 
of  becoming  acquainted  with  the  condition  of  the 
country;  and  the  result  of  his  inquiries  disclosed 
a  state  of  things  most  appalling.  Ignorance  of  re- 
ligion prevailed  to  an  extent  scarcely  conceivable 
in  a  country  professedly  Christian.  Having  thus 
acquired  a  knowledge  of  the  religious  state  of  the 
country,  he  felt  anxious  to  provide  a  remedy,  and 
the  plan  he  thought  of,  was  the  establishment  of 
circulating  schools,  movable  from  one  place  to 
another  as  circumstances  required  ;  but  Mr.  Charles 
had  two  difficulties  to  surmount  in  the  prosecution 
of  his  design — to  raise  money  to  support  the 
schools,  and  to  procure  teachers.  We  shall  give 
the  account  of  the  commencement  and  prosecution 
of  this  benevolent  undertaking  in  Mr.  Charles's 
own  words  in  writing  to  some  friends  on  the  sub- 
ject:— 

"  In  my  travels  through  different  parts  of  North 
Wales,  about  twenty-three  years  ago,  I  perceived 
that  the  state  of  the  poor  of  the  country  in  general 
was  so  low  as  to  religious  knowledge,  that  in  many 
parts  not  one  person  in  twenty  was  capable  of  read- 
14 


150  REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 

ing  the  Scriptures,  and  in  some  districts  hardly  an 
individual  could  be  found  who  had  received  any 
instruction  in  reading.  This  discovery  pained  me 
beyond  what  I  can  express,  and  made  me  think  seri- 
ously of  some  remedy,  effectual  and  speedy,  for  the 
redress  of  this  grievance.  I  accordingly  proposed  to 
a  few  friends  to  set  a  subscription  on  foot  to  pay  the 
wages  of  a  teacher,  who  was  to  be  moved  circuit- 
ously  from  one  place  to  another;  to  instruct  the 
poor  in  reading,  and  in  the  first  principles  of  Chris- 
tianity by  catechizing  them.  This  work  began  in 
the  year  1785.  At  first  only  one  teacher  was  em- 
ployed. As  the  funds  increased,  so  in  proportion 
the  number  of  teachers  was  enlarged,  till  they 
amounted  to  twenty.  Some  of  the  first  teachers 
I  was  obliged  to  instruct  myself;  and  these  after- 
wards instructed  others  sent  them  to  learn  to  be 
schoolmasters." 

Not  content  with  imparting  instruction  to  the 
young,  Mr.  Charles  urged  upon  all  of  every  age 
the  duty  of  being  able  to  read  for  themselves  the 
word  of  God,  and  he  had  the  gratification  of  seeing 
parents  sitting  down  with  their  children  in  the 
same  school,  and  learning  to  read  that  blessed  book 
which  maketh  wise  unto  salvation.  As  to  the 
progress  of  the  schools,  and  the  effects  produced 
by  them,  we  give  the  following  quotation: — "The 
spirit  of  learning  has  rapidly  spread  among  young 
people  and  children  in  large  populous  districts, 
where  hitherto  it  had  been  wholly  neglected.  Their 
usual  profanation  of  the  Sabbath,  in  meeting  for 
play,  or  in  public  houses,  has  been  forsaken,  and 
the  Sabbaths  are  now  spent  in  the  schools,  or  in 
religious  exercises.  We  have  also  this  year  held 
associations  of  the  different  schools.  They  meet 
in  some   central  place  to  be  publicly  catechized. 


WALES. 


151 


On  one  occasion,  the  efTect  tlmt  followed  an  exami- 
nation of  these  schools  was  very  remarkable.     In 
a  town,  which  seemed  to  grow  worse  and  worse, 
increasing  daily  in  all  kinds  of  wickedness,  the  peo- 
ple, young  and  old,  running  into  all  manner  of  exces- 
ses, especially  at  the  annual  wakes,  Mr.  Charles, 
lamenting  this  state  of  things,  made  up  his  mind  to 
attempt  to  storm  this  stronghold  of  Satan.     About 
two  monihs  before  the  wakes,  he  sent  to  the  teach- 
ers of  the  Sabbath  schools,  requesting  them  to  get 
the  children  to  search  the  Bible  for  texts  which 
prohibit  directly  or  indirectly  such  evil  practices  as 
dancing,   drunkenness,  sensual  indulgences,  &c., 
and  to  commit  them  to  memory,  saying,  that  they 
might  expect  him  there  at  the  feast  to  catechize  the 
children.     The  young  people  set  to  work,    and 
there  was  a  great  deal  of  talk  in  the  town  and 
neighbourhood  about  the  subject.     When  the  time 
arrived,  Mr.  Charles  went  there,  and  most  of  the 
people   of  the  place,  led  by  curiosity  in  a  great 
measure,  went  to  hear  what  the  children  had  to  say 
on  these  subjects.     The  meeting  began,  as  usual, 
with  singing  and  prayer.     Then  Mr.  C.  began  to 
ask  them  questions  on  the  points  given  them  to 
learn.     Is  drunkenness  set  forth  as  bad  and  sinful 
in  Scripture?     Yes,  said  one,  and  repeated  these 
words,  "  Woe  unto  them  that  follow  strong  drink, 
that  continue  until  night,  until  wine  inflame  them, 
and  the  harp  and  the  viol,  the  tabret  and  the  pipe, 
are  in  their  feasts;  but  they  regard  not  the  work 
of  the  Lord,  neither  consider  the  operation  of  his 
hands."    Isaiah  v.    11,   12.     In  this  way  he  pro- 
ceeded with  them  concerning  the  other  sins,  and 
the  answers  were  given  with  great  propriety  and 
seriousness.    The  people  began  to  hold  down  their 


152  REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 

heads,  and  appeared  to  be  much  affected.  Observ- 
ing this,  he  addressed  them  in  the  kindest  manner, 
and  exhorted  them  by  all  means  to  leave  off  their 
sinful  practices,  to  relinquish  the  works  of  dark- 
ness, to  come  to  Christ,  who  was  waiting  to  be 
gracious,  to  learn  the  word  of  God,  after  the  exam- 
ple of  their  children,  and  to  try  to  seek  superior 
pleasures,  and  a  better  world.  The  effect  was  so 
great  that  all  went  home,  and  the  houses  of  revel- 
ling were  completely  forsaken.  The  following 
day  the  harper  was  met  going  home  by  a  person 
on  the  road,  who,  surprised  to  see  him  leaving  the 
place  so  soon,  asked  him,  what  was  the  reason. 
'  Some  minister,  '  said  he,  '  has  been  catechizing 
there,  and  persuaded  the  young  people  not  to  at- 
tend the  feast.'  "  Such  are  some  of  the  effects  of 
these  interesting  schools,  which,  along  with  the 
faithful  preaching  of  the  Gospel,  prepared  the  way 
for  the  great  revival  of  religion  which  took  place 
in  North  Wales,  beginning  in  the  year  1791,  for 
the  particulars  of  which,  we  again  quote  from  Mr. 
Charles's  Letters  :— 

"  You  inquire  about  the  state  of  the  churches  in 
Wales.  I  have  nothing  but  what  is  favourable  to 
communicate.  We  had  lately  a  very  comfortable 
association  at  Pwllheli.  Some  thousands  attended; 
more  than  ever  was  seen  before.  And  here,  at  Bala, 
we  have  had  a  very  great,  powerful  and  glorious 
outpouring  of  the  Spirit  on  the  people  in  general, 
especially  on  the  children  and  young  people. 
Scores  of  the  wildest  and  most  inconsiderate  of 
young  people  of  both  sexes  have  been  awaken- 
ed. Their  convictions  have  been  very  clear  and 
powerful;  and  in  some  instances  so  deep  as  to 
bring  them  to  the  brink  of  despair.  Their  conso- 
lations have  also  been  equally  strong.     If  the  Lord 


WALES.  153 

should  be  graciously  pleased  lo  continue  the  work, 
as  it  has  prevailed  some  weeks  past,  the  devil's 
kingdom  will  be  in  ruins  in  this  neighourhood. 
Ride  on,  ride  on,  thou  King  of  glory,  is  ihe  fervent 
cry  of  my  soul,  day  and  night.  I  verily  believe 
that  the  Lord  means  to  give  the  kingdom  of  dark- 
ness a  dreadful  shake  ;  for  he  takes  off  its  pillars. 
Those  that  were  foremost  in  the  service  of  Satan 
and  rebellion  against  God,  are  now  the  foremost  in 
seeking  salvation  through  the  blood  of  the  Lamb. 
It  is  an  easy  work  to  preach  the  gospel  of  the  king- 
dom here  at  this  time.  Divine  truths  have  their 
own  infinite  weight  and  importance  on  the  minds 
of  the  people.  Beams  of  Divine  light,  together 
with  Divine  irresistible  energy,  accompany  every 
truth  delivered.  It  is  glorious  to  see  how  the  stout- 
est hearts  are  bowed  down  and  the  hardest  melted. 
I  would  not  have  been  without  seeing  what  I  have 
lately  seen,  no,  not  for  the  world. 

"  These  are  the  blessed  things  I  have  to  relate 
to  you,  my  dear  brother,  respecting  poor  Wales. 
The  charity  schools  here  are  abundantly  blessed. 
Children  that  were  aforelime  like  jewels  buried  in 
rubbish,  now  appear  with  Divine  lustre  and  trans- 
cendent beauty.  Little  children  from  six  to  twelve 
years  of  age,  are  affected,  astonished,  and  over- 
powered. Their  young  minds,  day  and  night,  are 
filled  with  nothing  but  soul-concerns.  All  1  say  is 
matter  of  fact.  I  have  not  exaggerated  in  the  least 
degree,  nor  related  more  than  a  small  part  of  the 
whole.  The  Lord  hath  done  great  things  for  us, 
and  to  him  be  all  the  praise." 

One  of  the  ministers  of  Edmburgh  having  seen 
this  letter,  wrote  Mr.  Charles  in  March,  1792, 
mentioning  the  revivals  which  took  place  in  Scot- 
land in  1742,  and  requesting  further  information, 


154  REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 

to  which  Mr.  Charles,  in  May  of  the. same  year, 
sent  the  following  reply: — 

"  That  it  was  tlie  work  of  God  I  am  not  left  to 
doubt  in  the  least  degree.  It  carries  along  with  it 
every  scriptural,  satisfactory  evidence  that  we  can 
possibly  desire ;  such  as  deep  conviction  of  sin, 
of  righteousness,  and  of  judgment — great  reforma- 
tion of  manners — great  love  for,  and  delight  in,  the 
word  of  God,  in  prayer,  in  spiritual  conversation, 
and  Divine  ordinances.  These,  even  in  young 
persons,  occupy  the  place  and  employ  the  time 
that  was  spent  in  vain  diversions  and  amusements. 
No  harps,  but  the  golden  harps,  of  which  St.  John 
speaks,  have  been  played  on  in  this  neighbourhood 
for  some  months  past.  The  craft  is  not  only  in 
danger,  but  entirely  destroyed  and  abolished.  The 
little  stone  has  broken  in  pieces,  and  wholly  des- 
troyed these  ensnaring  hinderances. 

"  But  I  am  far  from  expecting  that  all  those  who 
have  experienced  these  impressions  are  savingly 
wrought  upon  and  really  converted.  If  that  were 
the  case,  all  the  country  must  have  been  converted; 
for  at  one  time  tliere  were  but  very  few  who  had 
not  felt  awful  impressions  on  their  minds,  pro- 
ducing foreboding  fears  respecting  their  future  ex- 
istence in  another  world.  It  was  a  most  solemn 
lime  indeed  !  I  never  saw  a  livelier  picture  of  the 
state  of  men's  minds  at  the  day  of  judgment,  ac- 
cording to  their  respective  conditions.  That  awful 
dispensation  lasted  but  for  a  iew  weeks.  But  the 
ministration  of  the  word  is  still  lively  and  power- 
ful ;  and  fresh  awakenings  take  place,  though  not 
so  numerous  as  at  first.  Perhaps  it  will  not  be 
known  till  the  day  of  judgment  how  many  of  these 
new  converts  are  actually  brought  into  a  state  of 
salvation,  nor  who  they  are.  But  hitherto  we 
have  every  reason  to  be  thankful  for  the  good  pro- 


WALES. 


155 


gress  they  continue  to  make.  Among  so  many 
there  must  be  great  variety  ;  and  we  may  have 
better  hopes  of  some  than  others ;  but  hitherto 
none  have  turned  away  from  feeding  beside  the 
Shepherd's  tents. 

"  As  to  the  further  spread  of  the  work,  the  pros- 
pect in  our  country  is  in  general  very  pleasing.  In 
Caernarvonshire  and  Anglesea,  the  congregations 
are  very  numerous.  Thousands  flock  together  at 
the  sound  of  the  Gospel  trumpet,  and  hear  with 
great  earnestness  and  attention.  Awakenings  also 
are  frequent.  The  report  of  what  had  been  going 
on  in  this  place  awakened  the  attention  of  the  whole 
country,  and  filled  the  churches  every  where  with 
the  spirit  of  thanksgiving  and  prayer.  The  begin- 
ning was  so  glorious  that  I  cannot  think  but  that  it 
precedes  great  things.  The  churches  every  where 
are  prepared;  they  are  praying;  they  are  waiting 
and  longing  for  His  coming.  He  has  indeed  done 
already  great  things  in  this  principality.  Within 
these  fifty  years  there  have  been  five  or  six  very 
great  awakenings. 

"  Your  saying  that  a  similar  work  took  place  in 
your  country  about  fifty  years  ago,  has  enkindled 
a  spirit  of  prayer  in  me  for  the  return  of  your  jubi- 
lee. I  am  persuaded,  that  except  we  are  favoured 
with  frequent  revivals,  and  a  strong  and  powerful 
work  of  the  Spirit,  we  shall  in  a  great  degree  dege- 
nerate, and  have  only  a 'name  to  live;'  religion 
will  lose  its  vigour;  the  ministry  will  hardly  retain 
its  lustre  and  glory,  and  iniquity  will  of  course 
abound.  I  am  far  from  supposing  this  to  be  the 
case  in  your  country.  1  am  only  speaking  of  the 
thing  itself.  Scotland,  I  know,  in  ages  past,  has 
been  a  highly-favoured  country.  I  hope  it  still 
continues  so;  but  I  ara  perfectly  ignorant  of  the 


156 


REVIVALS     OF    RELIGION. 


present  state  of  religion  in  it.  May  the  good  Lord 
hasten  that  blessed  time,  when  the  kingdoms  of 
tlie  world  shall  become  the  kingdoms  of  the  Lord 
and  his  Christ." 

In  January,  1794,  in  writing  to  the  same  clergy- 
man, whose  name  we  regret  his  biographer  has  not 
given,  he  thus  further  details  the  progress  of  the 
work.  "  In  the  course  of  last  year,  the  almighty 
power  of  the  Gospel  has  been  most  gloriously 
manifested  in  different  parts  of  our  country.  There 
was  3  very  general  awakening  through  a  very  large 
and  populous  district  of  Caernarvonshire.  In  the 
space  of  three  months,  some  hundreds  were  brought 
under  concern  about  their  souls.  Oh  !  my  dear 
Sir,  it  is  a  melodious  sound,  yes,  in  the  ears  of 
God  himself,  to  hear  poor  perishing  sinners  crying 
out,  'what  must  we  do  to  be  saved?'  The  effects 
on  the  country  at  large  are  a  general  reformation  of 
manners,  the  most  diligent  attention  to  the  means 
of  grace,  private  and  public,  and  thirst  after  divine 
knowledge.  Here  at  Bala,  through  mercy,  we  go 
on  well,  and  have  much  cause  for  thankfulness, 
though  not  favoured  with  the  wonderful  scenes  with 
which  we  were  gratified  two  years  ago.  There  is 
a  work  going  on  among  us  still,  though  not  so 
powerfully  as  at  the  period  alluded  to.  In  some 
of  the  Schools  we  have  had  general  awakenings 
among  all  the  children.  We  take  great  care  that  the 
teachers  be  men  of  piety  and  of  zeal,  for  the  con- 
version of  sinners.  We  have  but  one  point  in  view 
in  these  institutions,  that  is  the  salvation  of  souls. 
We  endeavour  to  set  this  point  before  them  in  all 
its  infinite  importance,  as  far  surpassing  all  other 
matters  whatever.  This  is  what  we  aim  to  do; 
but  ah!  how  little  would  all  avail  were  it  not  for 
the  powerful  agency  of  the  Holy  Spirit.     Blessed 


WALES. 


157 


be  God,  we  see  him  evidently  and  gloriously  at 
work  among  us,  never  more  so  than  at  the  present 
time,  taking  the  country  at  large.  Bless  the  Lord 
on  our  behalf,  and  pray  for  a  continuance  of  his 
loving  kindness." 

The  sentiments  of  the  late  Rev.  .lohn  Newton 
of  St.  Mary,  Wooinolh,  London,  respecting  this 
revival,  are  very  pleasing,  bearing  as  they  do,  on 
revivals  generally.  It  is  contained  in  a  Letter  to 
the  Edinburgh  minister,  so  often  referred  to,  and 
dated  London,  20ih  February,  1792.  "  The  re- 
vival at  Bala  demands  thankfulness;  the  Lord, 
according  to  his  sovereign  pleasure,  now  and  then 
vouchsafes  such  seasons  of  refreshment,  as  draw 
the  attention  of  many.  But  hitherto  tbey  have 
been  local  and  temporary.  I  remember  one  in 
Scodand,  about  fifty  years  ago;  the  most  extensive 
I  think  took  place  in  America,  about  the  same  time, 
and  was  first  observed  under  Dr.  Edwards's  minis- 
try at  Northampton.  There  is  generally  much 
good  done  on  such  occasions  of  power,  but  we 
must  not  expect  that  every  appearance  will  answer 
our  wishes.  There  are  many  more  blossoms  in 
spring  than  apples  in  the  autumn;  yet  we  are  glad 
to  see  blossoms,  because  we  know  that  if  there  be 
no  blossoms,  there  can  be  no  fruit.  Yet  when 
sudden  and  general  awakenings  take  place  among 
people  who  are  ignorant  and  unacquainted  with 
Scripture,  they  are  more  or  less  attended  with 
blemishes  and  misguided  zeal.  The  enemy  is 
watchful  to  sow  tares  among  the  wheat.  Thus  it 
has  always  been.  It  was  so  in  the  Apostles'  days  ; 
offences  arise,  and  they  who  watch  to  find  some- 
thing at  which  they  may  stumble  and  cavil  by  the 
righteous  judgment  of  God,  have  what  they  wish 
for.     But  they  who  love  the  Lord  and  have  a  re- 


158  REVIVALS    OF     RELIGION. 

gard  for  precious  souls,  will  rejoice  in  the  good  that 
is  really  done,  and  can  account  for  the  occasional 
mixture  from  the  present  state  of  our  nature.  That 
the  good  work  at  Bala  may  flourish  and  extend  to 
London  and  Edinburgh  if  the  Lord  pleases,  is  my 
sincere  prayer,  and  I  doubt  not  it  is  yours." 

Mr.  Charles  continued  his  most  useful  labours 
in  the  vineyard  for  twenty  years  longer  with  great 
success.  He  established  and  conducted  for  several 
years  a  religious  magazine  for  diffusing  intelligence 
respecting  the  state  of  religion  at  home,  and  mis- 
sionary operations  abroad.  He  also  assisted  in  the 
formation  of  the  Bible  Society,  and  in  preparing  a 
new  edition  of  the  Welsh  Bible  published  by  that 
Society.  He  closed  a  most  laborious  life  in  pro- 
moting the  best  interests  of  his  countrymen,  on  the 
5th  October,  1814,  in  the  59lh  year  of  his  age. 

Thus  we  have  given  a  brief  but  imperfect  sketch 
of  several  of  the  instruments  raised  up  by  the  great 
Head  of  the  Church,  for  advancing  ilie  interests  of 
vital  religion  in  Wales ;  and  although  for  the  most 
part  the  statements  have  been  more  general  in  their 
character  than  could  be  wished,  yet  enough  has 
been  said  to  encourage  Christians  to  the  continued 
exercise  of  believing  prayer  "  that  God  would  arise 
and  have  mercy  upon  Zion,  that  the  time  to  favour 
her,  yea,  the  set  time,  may  come." 


159 


PART  X. 


SKYE,   1812--14. 

The  "  spirit  of  slumber,"  which  pervaded  Scotland 
in  the  latter  portion  of  the  last  century,  exerted  its 
most  powerful 'influence  over  the  whole  of  the 
north-west  Highlands.  Indeed  the  Reformation, 
in  those  districts,  was  nothing  more  than  a  change 
from  the  profession  of  one  creed  to  that  of  another, 
according  to  the  views  of  the  proprietors  of  the 
soil.  It  was  purely  political  and  partook  of  none 
of  the  intelligence,  and  preference  of  truth  in  oppo- 
sition to  papal  ignorance  and  superstition,  which 
distinguished  that  blessed  era  in  the  southern  and 
north-eastern  counties.  Had  a  pious  clergy  suc- 
ceeded their  ghostly  predecessors,  the  knowledge 
of  the  '-letter"  of  the  truth  would,  no  doubt,  have 
been  imparted  to  the  population  of  the  interesting 
districts  in  question;  and  although  they  might, 
notwithstanding,  have  been  left  without  any  re- 
markable revivals  of  religion,  the  "  gross  darkness" 
which  for  so  long  a  time  prevailed  would,  in  part 
at  least,  have  been  done  away.  This,  however, 
was  not  the  case:  and  there  are  parishes  which, 
even  up  to  the  present  date,  have  never,  perhaps 
since  the  Gospel  was  first  propagated,  had  the 
benefit  of  the  pure  preaching  of  the  "  glad  tidings 


160  REVIVALS     OF    RELIGION. 

of  salvation."  Bibles,  until  very  recently  there 
were  none;  and  the  power  to  read  them,  had  they 
existed,  was  possessed  by  few  of  the  common  peo- 
ple, until  the  Gtelic  School  Society  commenced  its 
operations.  The  instruction  communicated  by  the 
parochial  schools,  was  rigidly  confined  to  English — 
in  which  course  they  were  too  long  followed  by  those 
of  the  venerable  Society  for  propagating  Ciiristian 
Knowledge,  w^hose  influence,  however,  was  but 
partially  extended  to  the  region  alluded  to — and 
thus  their  united  efforts  are  not  much  to  be  taken 
into  account  as  affecting  the  moral  character  of  the 
people — a  fact  well  known  to  those  who  have  come 
in  contact  with  them,  in  the  way  of  spiritual  super- 
intendence. 

The  more  remote  the  Highland  districts  from  the 
counties  above  referred  to,  the  deeper  the  darkness ; 
and  of  these  none  perhaps,  exceeded  the  northern 
portions  of  Skye — indeed  the  whole  of  that  island. 
Many  illustrations  of  this  might  be  given  if  neces- 
sary ;  we  only  remark,  that  what  the  common  peo- 
ple were  in  point  of  intelligence",  maybe  conceived 
when  it  is  true,  that  after  religion  began  to  make 
some  liille  progress,  it  was  no  uncommon  thing  for 
the  better  educated  of  the  community  gravely  to 
maintain,  that  the  Bible  in  use  then  was  quite  dif- 
ferent from  the  one  they  had  been  accustomed  to. 
When  God  therefore  visited  this  island  with  the 
remarkable  revival  with  which  it  was  blessed,  soon 
after  the  commencement  of  the  present  century,  the 
sovereignty,  as  well  as  the  power  of  divine  grace, 
was  thereby  signally  displayed.  "  He  will  have 
mercy  on  whom  he  will  have  mercy — and  he  will 
have  compassion  on  whom  he  will  have  compas- 
sion." 

Many  years  ago,  and  long  before  any  awakening 


SKYE. 


161 


took  place  in  Skye,  a  young  girl,  of  little  more 
than  childish  years,  residing  in  a  glen  which,  during 
the  revival,  was  distinguished  by  much  of  divine 
power,  became  deeply  impressed  with  the  idea  that 
God  was  not  in  her  native  isle.  At  the  same  time^ 
she  was  overcome  by  the  feeling,  that  she  must 
go  in  pursuit  of  him  where  he  was  to  be  found, 
She  accordingly  stole  away  from  her  parents,  and 
travelled  across  the  country  to  the  usual  outlet  by 
the  ferry  to  the  mainland.  As  she  proceeded,  she 
made  no  secret  of  the  errand  on  which  she  had 
departed,  and  as  her  relations  had  taken  up  the 
opinion  that  she  had  become  unsound  in  her  mind, 
little  attempt  was  made  to  recall  her.  So  soon  as 
she  was  out  of  Skye,  she  began  to  ask  every  pas- 
senger with  whom  she  met,  where  she  might  find 
God,  for  that  he  was  not  in  her  country.  She 
called  at  houses  too  by  the  way,  asking  direction  in 
her  uncommon  inquiry.  Pity  and  kind  treatment 
marked  the  conduct  of  all  towards  her.  Her  ques- 
tion excited  surprise;  but  as  her  manner  expressed 
sincerity  and  deep  earnestness,  every  one  answered 
her  soothingly,  and  as  unwilling  to  interfere  with 
the  hallucination  under  which  they  conceived  she 
laboured.  In  this  way  she  journeyed  for  days  and 
weeks  ;  but,  though  disappointed  in  every  applica- 
tion for  the  knowledge  which  she  sought,  she  did 
not  desis-t.  At  length  she  reached  the  town  of 
Inverness — often  heard  of,  and  which  her  youthful 
imagination  had  long  pictured  the  centre  of  all  that 
was  good  and  valuable,  as  well  as  great.  The  first 
person  whom  she  there  met,  and  to  whom  she  made 
application,  was  a  pious  lady  addressed  by  her  on 
the  street.  She  stopped  her,  and  said  in  Gaelic: 
"  I  am  come  from  Skye,  where  God  is  not — can 
you  tell  me  where  I  shall  find  himl"  The  lady 


162  REVIVALS    OF  RELIGION. 

was  struck  not  more  with  the  unusual  nature  of  the 
address,  than  the  deep-toned  earnestness  and  solem- 
nity of  her  manner.  Her  first  impression  was  that 
of  all  the  others  to  whom  the  poor  child  had  spoken 
by  the  way ;  but  she  engaged  in  conversation  with 
her,  and  became  satisfied  of  her  sanity.  "  Come 
with  me,"  at  last  she  said,  "  perhaps  I  can  bring 
you  to  where  you  shall  find  God."  She  took  her  to 
her  home.  Next  day  was  Sabbath.  The  wanderer 
accompained  her  kind  protector  to  the  house  of 
God.  For  the  first  time  the  Gospel  was  proclaim- 
ed in  her  hearing — it  came  "  in  demonstration  of 
the  Spirit  and  of  power"  to  her  soul.  She  was 
an  awakened  sinner,  and  soon  became  a  happy  con- 
vert— lived  for  many  years  in  the  lady's  family — 
never  again  returned  to  Skye — married  and  settled 
in  the  parish  of  Croy,  near  Inverness,  and  was  one 
of  the  most  eminent  Christians  of  her  day.  She 
lived  long,  and  was  greatly  distinguished  for  her 
devotedness  and  fervency  as  a  follower  of  the  Lamb. 
Often  have  the  pious  in  Skye  said  to  each  other : 
"  Who  can  tell  but  the  prayers  of  her  who  was 
led  by  a  way  which  she  knew  not,  to  the  know- 
ledge of  the  God  of  Abraham,  may  be  receiving 
their  answer  in  the  great  work  which  in  this  dark 
place,  he  has  been  pleased  to  produce  ?"  And  who 
can  tell  ?  If  the  Lord  prepares  by  his  grace,  those 
who  plead  with  him — those  who  lay  hold  on  his 
strength — will  he  not,  in  due  time,  answer  them, 
and  declare  his  faithfulness?  Often,  doubtless, 
were  this  good  woman's  earnest  supplications  of- 
fered up  for  her  native  isle  ;  and  if,  though  after  a 
long  time,  the  dayspring  from  on  high  did  visit  it 
— and  the  light  which  beams  from  Zion's  hill,  did 
shine  into  the  vale  where  first  she  drew  breath, 
who  will  say,  but  in  granting  this  blessing,  the 


SKYE. 


163 


hearer  of  prayer  bad  regard  to  her  request,  and  ful- 
filled the  word  of  his  promise,  that  the  seed  of  Jacob 
seek  him  not  in  vain?  No  one  can  estimate  how 
o^rcat  a  blessing  it  is  to  have  a  friend — a  child  of 
God — to  pray  for  him:  and  no  one  can  tell  how 
valuable  and  important  was  the  result,  connected 
with  the  simple  event  now  related,  which  separated 
an  insignificant  individual  from* her  country  and 
kindred  that,  far  from  her  home,  she  might  learn  to 
pray  to  the  living  God,  and  that  a  long  life  should 
be  passed  in  seeking  light  for  those  who  sat  in 
darkness,  and  times  of  refreshing  for  those  who 
were  perishing  in  a  dry  and  barren  wilderness. 

In  1805,  Mr.  Farquharson,  an  itinerant  preacher 
in  the  Independent  connexion,  first  appeared  in 
Skye.  He  was  from  Perthshire,  where  his  minis- 
trations had  been  much  acknowledged;  as  indeed, 
they  were  wherever  he  proceeded  in  his  labour  of 
love.  It  is  probable,  that  the  "  truth  as  it  is  in 
Jesus,"  iiad  never  before  been  publicly  proclaimed 
in  the  island  which  he  now  visited.  From  the 
parochial  pulpits,  there  is  too  much  reason  to  fear 
it  did  not  go  forth ;  and  the  remoteness  of  the  dis- 
trict had  hitherto  precluded  the  visits  of  those  not 
connected  with  the  Church,  who,  towards  the  close 
of  last  century  and  beginning  of  the  present,  tra- 
velled over  the  country  promulgating  sound  doc- 
trine, and,  we  believe,  sincerely  seeking  the  salva- 
tion of  souls. 

When  Mr.  Farquharson  appearediin  Skye,  there 
is  reason  to  believe,  the  state  of  religion  was  as  un- 
favourable as  it  had  ever  been.  The  novelty  of 
field-preaching  on  week  days,  as  well  as  Sabbaths, 
by  one  who  held  no  communion  with  the  clergy, 
attracted  the  notice  of  the  people,  and  they  flocked 
in  crowds  to  hear  him.     His  sermons  consisted  of 


164 


REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 


powerful  and  faithful  testimonies  against  the  abound- 
ing sins  of  the  country,  clear  and  energetic  illustra- 
tion of  evangelical  truth,  solemn  protests  against 
the  soul-destroying  doctrine  of  justification  by  hu- 
man merit,  with  affectionate  and  solemn  warnings 
and  invitations  addressed  to  his  hearers  as  lost 
sinners.  His  appeals  excited  great  attention  and 
produced  no  smart  inquiry  among  the  people.  But 
their  external  disadvantages  were  many — few  could 
read,  and  scarely  any  copies  of  the  sacred  volume 
were  in  their  possession.  In  a  population  of  many 
thousands,  not  above  five  or  six  New  Testaments 
could  be  numbered,  and  their  value  had  never  been 
appreciated.  Still  the  preaching  of  the  gospel 
continued.  In  Portree  and  Snizort,  Kilmuir,  Diur- 
nish,  and  Bracadale,  Mr.  Farquharson  itinerated 
for  a  considerable  time — the  people  heard,  and 
deep  seriousness  marked  their  whole  demeanour 
under  the  word  of  life. 

At  this  time,  there  lived  in  the  parish  of  Portree, 
a  person  named  Donald  Munro.  In  childhood  he 
had  been  the  victim  of  small  pox,  by  which  he 
had  lost  his  sight.  To  gain  a  livelihood  he  had 
learned  to  play  the  violin ;  and  being  naturally  of 
a  pleasant  disposition,  this  quality,  with  his  musi- 
cal talent,  made  him  a  general  favourite.  The 
calamity  of  his  blindness  engaged  the  sympathy  of 
all,  and  his  other  qualifications  secured  their  pa- 
tronage. It  was  thought  that  the  office  of  Catechist 
in  the  parish,  to  which  a  small  salary  was  attached, 
might  be  superadded  to  his  professional  character 
with  advantage  to  his  circumstances.  The  incon- 
sistency, if  observed,  was  overlooked,  and  the  be- 
nevolence implied  in  making  a  provision  for  Donald, 
concealed  the  incongruity  of  a  blind  fiddler  being 
also  a  parochial  catechist.    The  minister  favoured 


SKYE.  165 

him — the  people  were  pleased  witli  the  arrange- 
ment, and  a  retentive  memory  enabling  him  to 
master  the  questions  of  the  Shorter  Catechism, 
and  a  few  chapters  in  the  New  Testament,  his 
qualifications  for  the  office  to  which  he  was  pro- 
moted were  held  to  be  complete.  How  often  are 
we  made  to  know,  as  the  sequel  of  this  man's  his- 
tory will  illustrate,  that  "  God's  ways  are  not  our 
ways" — that  they  are  "  past  finding  out:"  "  for  he 
giveth  not  account  of  any  of  his  matters." 

Donald's  official  character  led  him  to  hear  Mr. 
Farquharson — for  where  religious  exercises,  extra- 
ministerial,  were  held,  tliere  he  conceived  it  his 
duty  to  be.  Hundreds  and  hundreds  had  come  to 
listen  to  the  word  of  salvation;  but,  although  se- 
rious attention  was  given,  the  preacher  seemed  to 
have  "  run  in  vain,  and  laboured  in  vain."  The 
Spirit  was  not  poured  out  from  on  high,  and  no 
I'  blade"  of  heavenly  growth  was  yet  discoverable 
in  that  dry  place.  Nevertheless,  God  had  sent 
him ;  and,  although  he  was  not,  himself,  to  be  the 
direct  instrument  of  an  abundant  harvest,  like  the 
prophets  of  old,  he  was  made  the  medium  of  the 
*'  unction  from  the  Holy  One,"  to  another  who  was 
raised  up  to  show  how  "  the  weak  things  of  the 
world  are  made  to  confound  the  mighty — and  base 
things  of  the  world  and  things  that  are  despised, 
yea,  and  things  which  are  not,  chosen  to  bring  to 
nought  things  that  are,  that  no  flesh  should  glory 
in  his  presence."  "  To  me  he  was  a  messenger 
from  God,"  declared  Donald  Munro  many  years 
after;  and  although  in  his  Christian  charity  he  ex- 
pressed an  opinion,  that  one  or  two  besides  were 
converted  by  his  means,  no  evidence  exists  that 
faithful  Farquharson's  mission  had  any  other  direct 
fruit  than  that  of  the  conversion  of  this  remarkable 
15 


166  REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 

man.  He  soon  after  emigrated  to  America,  and 
his  ministrations-  had  no  further  connexion  with 
the  revival  which  took  place  in  Skye. 

The  Catechist  of  Portree  was  no  longer  a  plu- 
ralist. He  had  "  got  new  views,"  to  use  his  own 
language,  of  "  Scripture  truths,  of  himself,  and  of 
the  practices  of  the  inhabitants  of  his  island;"  and 
the  light  which  had  been  given  to  him  he  did  not 
put  "  under  a  bushel."  His  official  situation  afTord- 
ed  him  opportunities  of  speaking  in  the  name  of 
Jesus;  and,  before  he  had  been  himself  a  convert 
for  a  year,  he  was  made  the  instrument  of  turning 
three  or  four  from  the  error  of  their  ways  to  the 
faith  and  obedience  of  the  glorious  gospel. 

But  the  great  awakening  did  not  take  place  now, 
nor  for  a  few  years  after  this  ;  nevertheless  as  the 
events  which  follow  were  connected  with  that 
manifestation  of  Divine  grace  and  power,  and  as 
they  illustrate  the  ways  of  God's  providence  in 
promoting  his  purposes  of  love  towards  sinners, 
they  are  here  recorded. 

In  the  first  place,  a  prayer  meeting  was  estab- 
lished. This  was  in  Snizort,  the  neighbouring 
parish  to  Portree.  A  very  few  only  attended  at  its 
establishment;  but,  in  course  of  time,  the  numbers 
increased.  The  prejudice  against  it  was  strong; 
for  nothing  of  the  kind  had  ever  before  been  heard 
of  in  the  country,  and  an  innovation  of  so  marked 
a  character  was  not  readily  tolerated.  But  it  grew 
in  popularity;  and  by  its  means  many  were  induced 
to  attempt  to  call  on  the  name  of  the  Lord.  For 
two  years  it  flourished.  At  the  end  of  that  time  a 
Baptist  preacher  appeared  in  the  country.  The 
members  of  the  meeting  heard,  and  some  were 
drawn  after  him.    Eleven  were  baptized  by  him — 


SKYE. 


16^ 


division  ensued,  and  the  prayer  meeting  was  in  a 
short  lime  finally  dissolved. 

In  the  next  place,  soon  after  the  institution  of 
this  meeting,  it  pleased  the  Lord  to  bring  "  out  of 
darkness  into  marvellous  light"  one  of  the  minis- 
ters in  the  neighourhood.  'i'he  gentleman  referred 
to  was  the  late  Mr.  Martin,  then  of  Kilmuir.  and 
latterly  of  the  parish  of  Abernethy.  The  change 
in  his  doctrine,  as  well  as  life  and  conversation, 
soon  attracted  notice,  and  he  was  sought  unto  by 
those  in  the  country  who,  by  this  time,  had  them- 
selves tasted  that  the  Lord  is  gracious.  The  cause 
of  the  prayer  meeting  was  espoused  by  him;  and 
as,  even  men  who  knew  not  the  saving  power  of 
the  gospel  in  their  own  experience,  esteemed  him 
for  his  virtues,  his  countenance  given  it,  secured 
either  their  neutrality  or  favour.  As  a  minister, 
he  was  instant  in  season  and  out  of  season;  re- 
proving, rebuking,  exhorting  with  all  long-suffering 
and  doctrine.  The  usual  result  followed — a  desire 
among  his  parishioners  to  search  the  Scriptures,  to 
see  that  the  things  which  he  declared  were  so. 
But  the  sacred  volume  was  wanting — and  no  sup- 
ply was  at  hand  to  meet  the  demand  which  the 
preaching  of  Christ  crucified  by  this  good  man  had 
produced.  What  might  have  followed  so  prosper- 
ous a  state  of  outward  privilege  no  one  can  say. 
A  very  few,  it  is  believed,  were  during  the  short 
period  of  Mr.  Martin's  living  ministry,  savingly 
impressed;  but  as  he  removed  from  the  island  in 
about  two  years  after  the  change  in  his  own  charac- 
ter, and  the  gospel  ceased  to  be  proclaimed — 
although  he  left  a  pious  Catechist  behind  him — no 
further  additions  of  such  as  were  "  ordained  to 
eternal  life,"  were  at  that  time  made  to  the  "  church 
of  the  living  God." 


168 


REVIVALS    OF    KELIGION. 


And  here  we  may  be  permitted  to  remark,  how 
serious  a  consideration  it  may  be  for  a  minister  of 
the  gospel  to  remove,  under  whatever  solicitations, 
from  a  sphere  where  indications  may  be  perceived 
of  an  incipient  work  of  grace,  such  as  a  few  years 
after  distinguished  this  part  of  Skye.  That  Mr. 
Martin  should  be  exposed  to  much  that  might  ha- 
rass his  spirit,  under  his  change  of  views  and  char- 
acter, in  the  place  where  his  lot  was  cast — that 
*'  living  godly  in  Christ  Jesus"  he  should  suffer 
persecution — may  be  readily  believed,  as  the  ex- 
perience of  another,  but  more  undaunted  "  fellow 
servant"  subsequently  attested;  but  surely  here 
was  an  opportunity  to  "endure  the  cross,  and 
despise  the  shame,"  connected  with  the  prospect 
of  honouring  his  Master  and  promoting  his  cause, 
such  as  does  not  often  occur,  and  which,  not  being 
embraced,  is  seldom  a  second  time  offered  to  any 
man.  It  cannot  be  wondered  that  Mr.  Martin,  as 
we  have  heard,  should  in  after  years  have  felt  and 
lamented  his  error. 

It  has  been  stated,  that  he  left  behind  him,  in 
the  parish  of  Kilmuir,  a  pious  Catechist.  This 
individual  also  acted  as  schoolmaster.  But  besides 
his  services,  the  parish  now  enjoyed  the  benefit  of 
those  of  Donald  Munro,  who  had  been  discharged 
from  his  office  in  Portree,  and  was  therefore  not 
confined  in  his  labours  to  that  locality.  Under 
their  direction  and  conduct,  meetings,  subsequent- 
ly to  the  dissolution  of  the  prayer  meeting,  were 
regularly  held  in  the  parish,  attended  by  large 
multitudes ;  and  much  interest,  apparently,  was 
taken  in  the  things  which  belonged  to  their  souls. 
This  state  of  matters,  however,  lasted  not  long. 
The  new  incumbent  did  not  walk  in  the  steps  of 
his  predecessor.     The  Catechist,  disgusted  with 


SKYE.  169 

the  new  order  of  things,  left  the  country;  and  Do- 
nald Munro  stood  single-handed  without  ev^n  the 
weight  which  his  former  official  name  afforded. 
He  did  not,  however,  cease  his  efforts  ;  and,  though 
under  many  inconveniences,  this  good  man  perse- 
vered in  holding  the  meetings,  encouraged  by  the 
great  numbers  who  came  desirous  to  listen  to  the 
word  of  life. 

But  the  Lord  raised  up  a  new  friend  to  the  cause 
in  the  person  of  the  late  Mr.  John  Shaw,  who, 
about  this  time,  was  appointed  minister  of  Braca- 
dale,  a  parish  in  the  neighbourhood,  and  situated 
in  the  same  district  of  country.  He  had  previously 
been  the  assistant  of  the  minister  of  Diurnish,  a 
parish  also  in  this  district;  but,  acting  there  in  an 
inferior  capacity,  his  influence,  until  nov/,  had  not 
been  efficiently  exerted.  He  was  a  holy  and  hum- 
ble man — little  acquainted  with  the  ways  of  the 
world,  and  naturally  little  qualified  to  withstand  its 
opposition,  directed,  whether  insidiously  or  in  open 
violence,  against  the  interests  of  Sion.  But,  what- 
ever his  failing  in  this,  his  heart  trembled  for  the 
ark  of  the  Lord — its  safety  was  the  object  of  his 
deepest  solicitude,  and  the  theme  of  his  importunate 
and  constant  prayers.  He  was  consequently  the 
friend  of  the  friends  of  Christ,  and,  few  and  des- 
pised as  they  were  in  Skye,  he  constituted  a  rally- 
ing point  and  counsellor,  whose  unwavering  faith- 
fulness, at  least,  seldom  failed  them  in  whatever 
emergency. 

Mr.  Shaw  secured  for  his  parish  the  benefit  of 
Society  teachers,  all  of  whom  were  godlv  men — 
one  from  the  Society  for  propagating  Cl.ristian 
Knowledge — another'  from  the  Geelic  School  So- 
ciety— and  a  third  from  the  Inverness  Education 
Society;    by  whose  means  a  knowledge  of  the 


170  REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 

truths  of  the  Scripture  was  extensively  communi- 
cated. And  not  least  in  importance,  as  preparing 
the  way  for  the  work  which  the  Lord  was  about  to 
perform  in  this  hitherto  dark  corner  of  the  Church, 
the  minister  of  Bracadale  introduced  to  the  country 
Mr.  McDonald  of  Urquhart,  "  whose  praise  is  in 
the  gospel  throughout  all  the  churches,"  and  whose 
rousing  appeals  to  the  assembled  multitudes  who 
congregated  to  hear  him,  caused  ''no  small  stir 
about  that  way." 

It  was  about  the  year  1812  that  the  awakening, 
properly  so  called,  had  its  commencement — about 
seven  years  after  Mr.  Farquharson  first  preached 
in  Skye.  It  began  in  the  parish  of  Kilmuir,  of 
which  Mr.  Martin  had  been  minister ;  and  where 
Donald  Munro's  services  had  been  most  uniformly 
bestowed  and  best  appreciated.  As  there  can  be 
no  doubt  that  the  meetings  held  under  his  manage- 
ment were  the  means  especially  employed  in  the 
Avork,  it  may  be  proper  to  state  the  mode  in  which 
the  services  on  those  occasions  were  conducted. 
We  are  not  here  to  defend  the  regularity  of  these 
meetings,  if  this  be  impugned.  It  pleased  the  Lord 
to  bless  them;  and,  considering  the  circumstances 
which  gave  them  birth  and  caused  their  continu- 
ance, lie  will  be  a  bold  man  v/ho  maintains  that 
they  ought  to  have  been  suppressed  or  that  they 
are  nov/  to  be  condemned. 

The  services,  on  the  solemn  and  happy  occa- 
sions of  which  we  speak,  began  v/ith  praise  and 
prayer ;  which  were  sometimes  repeated  in  course 
of  the  occasion,  and  always  concluded  the  duties 
for  the  time.  The  reading  of  the  Scripture  fol- 
lowed the  opening  of  the  meeting— large  portions 
of  which  were  read  aloud  without  note  or  comment. 
The  works  of  such  authors  as  were  to  be  had  in 


SKYE. 


171 


Gaelic  came  next— viz.,  translations  of  Alleine's 
Alarm,  Boston's  Fourfold  State,  Baxter's  Call,  Buu- 
yan,  Willison,  Gray  and  Edwards.  Then  a  pas- 
sage of  the  word  of  God  was  selected  for  exposi- 
tion. Munro,  unsually,  had  this  part  of  the  service 
allotted  to  him:  but  aUhouofh  few,  when  he  wrs 
present,  were  willing  to  occupy  the  place  which 
became  him  so  well,  others  also,  at  times,  opened 
up  the  truths  contained  in  the  passage  thus  com- 
mented on.  It  has  already  been  noted  that  Donald 
was  a  blind  man :  but,  he  required  the  aid  of  no 
reader.  His  memory  was  stored  with  the  Scrip- 
lures  ;  and  he  had  become,  literally,  a  living  con- 
cordance. Whole  chapters  could  be  recited  by 
him  without  the  commission  of  the  slightest  error. 
References,  for  illustration,  were  made  with  a  pre- 
cision which  never  betrayed,  in  a  single  instance, 
those  who  followed  him  in  his  exposition  by  turn- 
ing to  the  passages.  His  style  of  address  was 
solemn  and  deeply  impressive — the  effect  being  not 
a  little  heightened  by  the  visitation  of  Providence 
which  had'^made  him  an  object  of  sympathy  to  all, 
connected  with  the  evidence  in  him  of  the  riches 
of  His  grace  who  had  come 

"To  clear  the  inward  sight; 

And  on  the  eyeballs  of  the  blind 
To  pour  celestial  light." 

He  spoke  as  one  "  scarcely  saved" — "  a  brand 
plucked  out  of  the  burning" — lately  "  dead  in  tres- 
passes and  in  sins  ;"  but  to  whom  "  the  grace  of 
the  Lord  had  been  exceeding  abundant,"  and  w-ho 
now  stood  among  those  of  his  own  country  and 
kindred  who  knew  his  "  manner  of  life  from  his 
youth,"  apparently  by  divine  commission,  to  warn 
them  to  flee  from  the  wralh  to  come ;  and  to  pro- 


172 


REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 


daim  the  truth,  worthy  of  all  acceptation,  that 
Christ  Jesus  came  into  the  world  to  save  sinners, 
of  whom  he  had  been  chief.  A  holy  unction 
characterized — as  a  sound  judgment  ruled — all  that 
he  said :  for  his  words  were  weighed  in  the  balance 
of  the  sanctuary  and  were  not  found  wanting.  To 
witness  his  appearance  on  the  occasions  alluded  to 
— if  tlie  heart  were  not  melted — was  sure  to  disarm 
prejudice;  and  even  bitter  enemies,  whilst  they 
condemned  the  proceedings,  acknowledged  that 
Donald  was  a  good  man — honest  and  sincere  in  the 
cause  in  which  he  was  embarked. 

Three  times,  every  sabbath  day,  the  meetings 
were  held — in  the  open  fields — in  barns — or  under 
such  shelter  as  circumstances  required  and  as  at 
the  time  could  be  commanded.  But  not  on  the 
Lord's-day  only :  one  stated  meeting  was  held, 
weekly,  at  Donald's  residence,  on  another  day ;  and 
besides  this,  he  travelled  to  other  points  in  the 
country  round,  so  that  he  was  rarely  disengaged. 

Great  power  followed.  When  this  came,  the 
effects  were  striking  in  the  highest  degree;  and 
filled  Munro  and  the  other  leaders  with  adoring 
wonder.  That  it  was  the  Lord's  doing,  not  man's, 
soon  became  so  evident  that  they  were  made  to 
feel,  and  exulted  to  acknowledge,  that  they  were 
not  to  be  accounted  of,  and  not  wordiy  to  be  named 
in  connection  with  the  glorious  manifestation  which 
it  pleased  the  Most  High  to  vouchsafe  of  his  redeem- 
ing love.  "  What  are  we  and  what  is  our  Father's 
house  !"  was  the  language  of  their  hearts  while 
they  contemplated  the  effects  of  the  irresistible 
power  now  savingly  exerted.  It  was  a  common 
thing,  as  soon  as  the  Bible  was  opened,  after  the 
preliminary  services,  and  just  as  the  reader  began, 
for  great  meltings  to  come  upon  the  hearers.    The 


SKYE.  173 

deepest  attention  was  paid  to  every  word  as  the 
sacred  verses  were  slowly  and  solemnly  enunciated. 
Then  the  silent  tear  might  be  seen  stealing  down 
the  rugged,  but  expressive,  countenances  turned 
upon  the  reader — ihe  convulsive  and  half-sup- 
pressed sigh  might  next  be  heard — female  sobbings 
followed — and,  after  a  little,  every  breast  was  heav- 
ing under  the  unaccountable  agitation  which  moved 
the  spirits  of  the  assembled  multitudes.  "The 
wind  bloweth  where  it  listelh,  and  thou  hearest  the 
sound  thereof,  but  canst  not  tell  whence  it  cometh 
or  whither  it  goeth;  so  is  every  one  who  is  born  of 
the  Spirit." 

Sometimes  those  affected  cried  aloud;  but  this 
was  not  common:  at  other  times  they  threw  them- 
selves upon  the  grass,  in  the  utmost  distress,  and 
"  wept  bitterly."  A  spirit  of  prayer  and  supplica- 
tion was  granted,  in  a  remarkable  degree,  both 
upon  the  leaders  of  the  meetings  and  upon  the  peo- 
ple. After  the  services  for  the  occasion,  at  any 
time,  were  concluded,  they  were  to  be  seen,  in  all 
directions,  on  their  knees,  or  stretched  along  upon 
the  ground,  calling  upon  His  name  with  whom  is 
"  the  residue  of  the  Spirit."  An  insatiable  desire 
to  hear  the  Scriptures  read  and  opened  prevailed ; 
and  no  length  of  service  fatigued  during  those  days 
of  life  and  pov/er.  Hours  passed  insensibly  and 
the  night  was  often  "  far  spent"  ere  "  note  was 
made  of  time."  The  usual  seasons  for  food  were 
forgotten ;  and  even  necessary  nourishment  was 
sometimes  neglected.  The  redemption  of  the  soul 
is  indeed  precious.  When  the  eyes  are  enlightened 
to  perceive  this  truth,  and  the  conscience  is  awak- 
ened, under  the  operation  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  to 
testify  the  fearfulness  of  coming  short  of  the  great 
salvation  ;  and  when  this  occurs,  not  to  an  isolated 
16 


174  REVIVALS     OF    RELIGION. 

individual,  but  to  a  multitude  circumstanced,  in  all 
respects,  as  those  of  whom  we  now  speak,  who 
can  wonder  that  such  appearances,  as  have  been 
described,  should  be  exhibited — that  such  results 
should  follow  ;  nay,  who  that  knows  the  word  of 
God  and  the  mind  of  man,  but  might  expect  that 
such  occurrences  should  take  place? 

We  have  called  those  occasions  happy.  They 
were  truly  so;  for  there  is  no  joy  like  that  which 
is  felt  when  a  sinner,  melted  under  a  sense  of  sin 
and  of  the  mercy  of  God,  learns  to  weep  from 
"  godly  sorrow"  and  a  blessed  persuasion  that  ever- 
lasting love  is  manifested  towards  him  in  the  deal- 
ings with  his  soul  which  he  experiences — when  at 
one  and  the  same  time  "repentance  towards  God 
and  faith  towards  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ"  are  pro- 
duced within  him  by  a  power  w'hich  he  knows  is 
divine.  One  striking  trait,  accordingly,  in  the 
character  of  the  meetings  was  the  life  felt  and  mani- 
fested in  singing  the  praises  of  God.  The  assem- 
bled multitudes  engaged  in  the  duty  as  with  "one 
heart  and  one  soul;"  and  often  seemed  as  if  they 
knew  not  how  to  stop.  The  utmost  cordiality  and 
brotherly  love  prevailed — every  man  feeling  his 
heart  more  tenderly  drawn  out  to  his  neighbour — 
and  such  as  were  savingly  affected  experiencing  a 
holy  influence  leading  them  to  testify  for  Christ,  in 
the  house,  and  by  the  way,  in  private  conversation 
and  by  a  devoted  public  profession. 

For  about  two  years  the  awakening  was  o-eneral. 
As  already  stated,  it  began  in  the  parish  of  Kilmuir. 
Snizort  next  enjoyed  the  life-giving  influence — 
then  Bracadale,  and  finally  Diurnish — all  contigu- 
ous parishes.  AVherever  Donald  Munro  proceeded, 
the  effects  described  followed ;  and  for  a  time  it 
was  estimated,  three  or  four  individuals  were  sa- 


SKYE.  175 

vingly  converted  at  every  meeting  where  he  pre- 
sided. Not  only  so;  but  when  these  converts 
engaged  in  spiritual  exercises  throughout  the  coun- 
try— for  they  often  came  from  a  distance,  and 
returned  to  their  remote  homes  laden  with  the 
*' unsearchable  riches  of  Christ" — great  power  ac- 
companied their  services.  It  was  a  *'  time  of 
refreshing  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord"  and  by 
every  event  connected  with  it  he  forcibly  announc- 
•ed  to  all :  "  Not  by  might  nor  by  power  but  by  my 
Spirit." 

The  effects  were  two-fold — of  a  primary  or 
direct,  and  of  a  secondary  or  indirect,  character. 

The  primary  effects  were  the  genuine  conver- 
sion of  many  sinners  to  the  knowledge  and  obe- 
dience of  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus.  In  such  a 
matter  it  is  difficult,  and  may  be  dangerous,  to 
speak  of  numbers:  but  it  is  well  known,  that  dur- 
ing the  general  awakening,  several  hundreds  were 
brought  "from  darkness  to  light  and  from  the 
power  of  Satan  to  God."  Tiie  genuineness  of 
their  conversion  was  evidenced  by  the  change  of 
life  which  accompanied  their  profession.  Persons 
who  had  openly  served  sin,  with  their  whole  heart, 
did  truly  abandon  it,  embraced  the  cause  of  godh- 
ness,  and  walked,  as  those  of  them  who  still  sur- 
vive do,  so  as  to  "  adorn  the  doctrine  of  God  their 
Saviour  by  a  life  and  conversation  becoming  it  in  all 
things.  Some  who  had  been  noted  for  wickedness 
became  eminent  as  Christians;  and  until  this  day 
they  labour  in  the  vineyard,  in  their  various  sta- 
tions, as  "  servants  who  need  not  be  ashamed." 
Those  are  not,  in  any  case,  the  results  of  a  vain 
enthusiasm,  any  more  than  the  fruits  of  the  day  of 
Pentecost  were  the  eflTect  of  "  new  wine :"  but 
"mockers"  now  judge  by  the  same  rule,  as  they 
did  then,  being  blinded  by  the  same  evil  influence. 


176  REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 

Among  the  secondary  effects  may  be  stated, 
first,  the  suppression  of  the  openly  smful  practices 
common  in  the  country.  As  the  image  of  Dagon 
fell  mutilated  before  the  ark  of  the  Lord,  so  did 
they  before  the  Divine  power  now  present  in  the 
district  where  they  had  prevailed.  Those  prac- 
tices were  no  longer  in  repute,  but  discarded  and 
abandoned  by  such,  even,  as  were  still  secretly 
"joined  to  their  idols."  Whilst  the  devil  was 
certainly  cast  out  of  many  "  by  the  finger  of  God," 
so  that  he  should  never  return  to  find  a  resting 
place  in  them  again — he  also  went  out  of  many 
more;  and,  for  a  time,  the  "  house  vv^as  swept  and 
garnished." 

In  the  next  place,  a  large  body  was  formed  whose 
religion,  instead  of  being  a  reflection  of  the  image 
of  Christ,  was  no  more  than  a  reflection  of  that  of 
his  people — the  work  in  whom  was  not  of  God  but 
of  man.  They  constituted  the  tares  among  the 
wheat — the  chaff  among  the  true  grain — the  growth 
of  the  rocky  ground  contrasted  with  that  of  the 
good  soil.  They  attached  themselves  to  the  others 
— appeared  under  the  same  circumstances,  and 
thus,  as  in  all  revivals  which  have  occurred  in  the 
various  periods  of  the  Church's  history,  offences, 
in  course  of  time,  came.  These  we  believe  were 
less  nurnerous  and  momentous  than  the  hatred  of 
enemies  represented  them;  and  probably  might 
have  been  made  less  of,  but  for  the  anxiety  of  the 
real  friends  of  Christ  to  vindicate  his  holy  work 
from  the  imputation  thrown  on  it  from  such  a  cause. 
They  might  have  remembered  that  the  existence 
of  such  offences  most  truly  declared  the  genuine- 
ness of  the  work  of  God  among  them ;  for  where 
the  good  seed  is  made  to  take  root,  there  the  enemy 
will  come  and  sow  the  evil. 


SKYE. 


177 


In  the  third  place,  there  followed  from  this 
awakening  that  abandonment  of  ordinances,  as  ad- 
ministered by  the  parochial  clergy,  which  at  pre- 
sent attracts  the  eyes  of  the  supreme  Church  court 
at  Skye  and  the  adjacent  districts.  All  the  profes- 
sors of  religion — both  real  converts  and  others — 
remained  devotedly  attached  to  the  national  estab- 
lishment, and  resisted  efforts  made  to  draw  them 
aside — in  which  mind  they  continue.  But  the 
evident  and  striking  countenance  granted  to  the 
meetings  attracted  the  people  to  them,  and  secured 
their  reverence  for  their  services.  The  churches 
were,  in  consequence,  very  much  forsaken.  In 
these  circumstances,  the  clergy  began  to  refuse 
sealing  ordinances  to  those  who  did  not  hear  them  ; 
and,  on  the  other  hand,  the  "  professors"  lifted 
their  protest  against  the  clergy  by  refusing  to  ac- 
cept ordinances  as  by  them  administered — Mr. 
Shaw  being  the  only  minister  excepted,  at  that 
time,  from  the  application  of  this  rule.  Hence, 
especially  from  this  latter  cause,  it  soon  ceased  to 
be  matter  of  reproach  to  live  in  the  non-enjoyment 
of  the  ordinances.  More  than  this,  it  came  to  be 
counted  an  evidence  of  seriousness  not  to  apply  to 
the  clergy — or  a  mark  of  carelessness  and  irreligion 
when  application  was  made.  And  thus  have  we, 
in  the  bosom  of  the  Church,  the  anomalous  stale  of 
things  of  a  large  body  of  professing  Christians,  dis- 
tinguished for  the  fervency  of  their  piety,  the  pu- 
rity of  their  lives,  and  the  warmth  of  their  altach- 
meni  to  her  constitution,  still  maintaining  their 
union  with  us  under  the  deprivation  of  ordmances 
which  they  earnestly  long  for — receiving  them, 
when  permitted  to  do  so,  from  ministers  whom 
they  approve,  and  with  whom  they  conceive,  they 
can    hold    Christian   communion    and  justifying 


178  REVIVALS   OF    RELIGION. 

separation,  not  from  the  Church,  but  from  her  or- 
dinances, on  the  ground  of  their  alleged  pros- 
titution by  those  who  ought  to  be  the  guardians 
of  their  purity!  Tliis  is  not  the  place  to  discuss 
a  question  beset  with  many  difficulties  ;  but  those 
who  seek  the  true  reformation  of  our  national  Sion, 
throughout  her  whole  extent,  will  do  well  to  pause 
ere  they  condemn  so  many  of  the  "  excellent  of 
the  earth"  who,  under  much  obloquy,  have  never 
let  down  their  solemn  protest,  raised  against  abuses 
which  they  declare  exist — whether  more  in  Skye 
than  elsewhere  they  know  not — nor  abandoned  their 
pledged  attachment  to  the  Church  of  their  fathers. 

A  few  additional  particulars  must  conclude  this 
narrative.  The  good  work  related  above  w^as  not 
hindered  by  any  divisions.  Enemies  attempted  to 
take  advantage  of  the  offences  alluded  to ;  which, 
however,  but  the  more  closely  united  the  friends  of 
truth:  and  as  all  were  of  one  mind  on  the  question 
regarding  the  ordinances,  neither  did  this  oppose 
any  obstacle  to  the  progress  of  the  word  of  life. 

We  have  stated  tlial  the  parish  of  Diurnish  was 
the  most  lately  visited  by  the  Divine  influence. 
The  awakening  there  took  place  a  few  years  after 
the  general  revival  in  the  country,  and  also  by 
means  of  the  meetings  already  described.  The 
same  effects,  both  as  to  external  appearances  and 
permanent  good,  followed  in  the  one  as  in  the 
other;  and  a  great  number,  for  the  extent  of  the 
population  were  turned  unto  the  Lord.  The  desire 
to  hear,  and  be  benefited  by,  the  word  of  salvation 
equalled  now  what  existed  in  the  earlier  revival ; 
and  it  was  often  a  stirring  sight  to  witness  the  mul- 
titudes assembling  during  the  dark  winter  evenings 
— to  trace  their  progress,  as  they  came  in  all  direc- 
tions across  moors  and  mountains,  by  the  blazing 


SKVE. 


179 


torches  which  they  carried  to  light  their  way  to  the 
places  of  meeting.  The  word  of  the  Lord  was 
precious  in  those  days;  and  personal  inconvenience 
was  little  thought  of  when  the  hungering  soul 
sought  to  be  satisfied. 

The  awakening  now,  as  during  the  period  of  the 
greater  eflfusion  of  the  Spirit,  was  principally  con- 
fined to  those  not  much  advanced  in  life — of  the 
age  oi  fifteen,  and  under,  to  thirly,  both  married 
and  unmarried.  But  there  were  some  striking  ex- 
ceptions to  this  rule  on  both  occasions.  One  man, 
eighty  years  of  age,  was  brought  under  great  con- 
cern, lived  a  few  years  as  a  professed  Christian, 
and  died,  it  is  believed,  in  the  Lord.  A  still  more 
wonderful  instance  of  the  power  of  Divine  grace 
was  afforded  in  the  case  of  a  poor  man,  residing 
in  the  parish  of  Bracadale,  above  one  hundred  years 
old,  who,  in  the  judgment  of  charity,  passed  from 
death  to  life  ;  having,  from  being  ignorant  and  un- 
holy, renounced  his  dependence  on  a  covenant  of 
works,  and  embraced  the  faith  which  purifies  the 
heart  and  overcomes  the  world.  The  conversion 
of  an  idiot,  or  rather  half-witted  person,  who  after- 
wards emigrated  with  his  relations  to  America, 
constituted  another  triumph  of  that  grace  which 
was  so  bountifully  communicated  in  this  hitherto 
barren  wilderness.  But  lime  would  fail  to  enu- 
merate all  the  instances  of  this  kind  which  occurred 
— including  some,  of  persons  little  known,  during 
their  life,  to  be  more  than  mere  professors,  who 
on  their  death-bed  evinced  tlie  reality  of  the  change 
that  had  been  wrought  on  their  souls.  These  are 
mentioned  as  illustrative  of  the  sovereignty  of  God 
in  the  communications  of  his  grace ;  and  to  en- 
courage all  who  plead  for  them  to  remember  that 
with    him   nothing   is   impossible — that   he   doth 


180  EEVIVALS    OP    RELIGION. 

'*  wonderful  things,"  and  that  his  "  counsels  of  old 
are  faithfulness  and  truth." 

In  1823,  Mr.  Shaw  died ;  but  the  Lord  had  pre- 
pared one  to  do  more  than  fill  his  place,  in  the  per- 
son of  Mr.  Roderick  McLeod,  wHo  was  appointed 
to  succeed  him  in  Bracadale.  As  a  missionary  in 
the  neighbourhood,  he  had  for  a  few  years  filled 
the  office,  without  possessing  the  spirit  or  doing 
the  work  of  an  evangelist ;  but  when  thus  "  far  off," 
it  pleased  God  to  "  call  him  by  his  grace,  and  to 
reveal  his  Son  in  him" — so  preparing  and  qualify- 
ing him  to  preach  the  "  glorious  gospel."  With 
his  change  of  views  and  practice,  as  a  minister  of 
the  New  Testament,  he  adopted  the  sentiments, 
prevalent  among  the  religious  in  the  country,  on 
the  question  regarding  the  ordinances.  His  un- 
flinching adherence  to  these,  and  a  consequently 
unusual  strictness  in  the  rule  of  admission,  soon 
involved  him  in  troubles  in  the  church  courts, 
whilst  it  endeared  him  to  all  those  in  the  country 
who  had  turned  from  their  idols  to  serve  the  living 
God.  If  any  one  thing  could  have  succeeded  in 
separating  for  ever  from  our  church  this  valuable 
body  of  devoted  adherents,  it  would  have  been  the 
deposition  of  this  estimable  man.  Let  us  hope 
that  the  days  have  gone  by  when  such  a  risk  might 
exist,  nay,  let  us  hope  that  the  time  has  come  for 
the  calm  discussion  of  the  principle  of  such  vital 
importance  to  the  interests  of  true  religion,  for 
which  he  has  so  long  contended. 

Under  Mr.  McLeod's  ministry  the  good  work 
was  prolonged,  and,  from  time  to  time,  through 
his  instrumentality,  many  were  "added  to  the 
church  of  such  as  should  be  saved."  A  door  was 
still  kept  open  for  Mr.  McDonald  of  Urquhart, 
whose  apostolic  visits  continued  to  be  regularly 


SKYE. 


181 


paid,  and  whose  faithful  ministrations,  during  the 
whole  progress  of  the  work,  had  been  evidently 
acknowledged.  Still  more  recently,  another  door 
was  opened  for  him  in  Snizort,  where  Mr.  McLach- 
lan,  now  of  Cawdor,  during  a  short  ministerial 
course,  zealously  preached  the  doctrine  of  the  cross, 
and  did  not  run  in  vain. 

In  1830,  Donald  Munro  died — a  man  highly 
honoured  of  the  Lord,  and  whose  memory  will  be 
had  in  everlasting  remembrance.  It  is  impossible 
to  reflect  on  his  career  without  being  impressed 
with  the  truth  that  God  is  "  no  respecter  of  per- 
sons," and  that  the  distinctions,  of  which  men  are 
apt  to  make  so  much,  are  often  lightly  set  by  of 
him.  He  can  choose  his  instruments  from  the 
most  unlikely  materials,  and,  in  performing  his 
works  of  wonder,  strikingly  prove  that  "  the  ex- 
cellency of  the  power  is  of  himself."  He  once 
selected  a  child  of  tender  years,  through  whom  to 
speak  to  his  people,  passing  by  a  regularly  appoint- 
ed and  aged  servant ;  and  not  more  forcibly  did  he 
then  announce,  than  he  has  done  among  us,  by  the 
history  of  Donald  Munro:  "  Them  that  honour 
me  I  will  honour,  and  they  that  despise  me  shall  be 
lightly  esteemed." 

This  good  man's  services,  although  principally 
confined  to  Skye,  were  not  exclusively  so.  He 
sometimes  visited  the  mainland,  especially  on  sacra- 
mental occasions  ;  but  wherever  he  proceeded  the 
same  holy  influence  was  made  to  accompany  him, 
and  the  Lord  honoured  him  as  the  means  of  pro- 
moting his  cause.  A  little  anecdote,  well  known, 
will  illustrate  his  zeal  and  manner  of  proceeding 
during  such  solemn  occasions  as  we  refer  to.  In 
this  district  of  the  Highlands,  immense  numbers 
from  incredibly  remote  points  assemble  to  the  ordi- 


182 


REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 


nance  of  the  Supper,  where  faitliful  preaching  or 
esteemed  ministers  are  expected.  They  are  usually 
accommodated  at  night  in  barns  or  large  outhouses 
— the  males  occupying  one  department  of  the  build- 
ing, the  females  the  other.  A  stranj^er  who  had 
never  heard  of  Donald  came  to  attend,  on  an  occa- 
sion, at  Lochcarron,  during  the  ministry  of  the  late 
Mr.  Lachlan  M'Kenzie,  a  man  most  eminent 
among  his  own  people  in  his  day  and  generation. 
The  stranger  had  his  bed  allotted  him  in  a  large 
barn  with  a  multitude  accommodated  in  the  same 
way.  During  the  darkness  of  the  night,  he  was 
aroused  from  his  slumbers  by  a  voice  calling  aloud 
"  awake,  awake  !"  The  summons  seemed  to  be 
obeyed,  as  if  expected,  judging  by  the  movement 
which  he  perceived  all  around  him.  He  then  heard: 
"Let  us  sing  to  the  praise  of  God,"  pronounced 
by  the  same  voice.  Several  verses  were  distincdy 
enunciated  amidst  the  darkness  and  the  stillness  of 
the  night.  They  were  sung,  each  line  being  regu- 
larly announced,  with  thrilling  effect.  Prayer  was 
then  offered  up,  the  stranger  perceiving  all  his  fel- 
low lodgers  on  their  knees,  and  instinctively  fol- 
lowing their  example.  This  duty  ended,  and  a 
long  portion  of  Scripture  was  distinctly  pro- 
nounced. He  was  amazed :  but  much  more  was 
this  the  case  when  he  listened  to  a  striking  and 
powerful  exposition,  with  references  to  other  Scrip- 
tures, in  proof  or  in  illustration  of  doctrine,  conclud- 
ing with  an  irresistible  appeal  to  the  consciences  of 
all  who  were  present,  it  is  not  said  that  the  stranger 
had  "  come  to  scoff," — but  it  is  to  be  feared  an 
idle  curiosity,  which  too  often  guides  many  to  such 
places,  had  led  him  thither:  there  is  reason  to  be- 
lieve, however,  that  he  "remained  to  pray."  The 
Lord  had  conducted  him  by  a  way  which  he  knew 


SKYE. 


183 


not,  when  He  directed  his  steps  to  the  place  to 
which  he  had  come — He  had  touched  his  heart — 
and,  from  that  day  forth,  this  wanderer  on  ihe 
mountains  of  vanity,  sought  Sion  with  his  face 
thitherward. 

It  only  remains  to  be  added  that  the  meetings  are 
still  maintained  in  Skye,  and  that  they  prosper, 
through  the  blessing  of  God.  Donald  Munro  has 
several  worthy  successors — places  of  assembly 
have  been  erected,  and,  from  time  to  time,  the 
"good  Shepherd,"  by  means  of  the  services  there 
engaged  in,  brings  home  some  lost  sheep,  and  feeds 
those  who  are  already  in  the  fold.  In  any  parish 
in  which  the  privilege  of  faithful  and  acceptable 
preaching  in  the  church  is  enjoyed,  the  meetings 
are  not  held  on  the  Sabbath,  except  in  districts  so 
remote  as  to  preclude  the  possibility  of  attending 
there.  But  in  all  the  parishes  which  enjoyed  the 
divine  influence  they  are  maintained  on  week  days  ; 
the  Sabbath  being  likewise  appropriated  in  cases 
where  the  views  of  the  ministers  do  not  accord  with 
those  of  the  large  body  who  adhere  to  the  meetings. 
The  attachment  to  the  established  church,  on  the 
part  of  this  body,  remains  unaltered,  whilst  they 
continue  to  long  for  the  time  when  the  Lord  will 
again  beautify  his  Sion  by  reviving  his  work  in 
midst  of  the  years,  and  by  sending  times  of  refresh- 
ing from  his  presence  throughout  her  whole  ex- 
tent. 

The  preceding  narrative  may  well  encourage  all 
who  pray  for  Jerusalem  to  continue  instant  in  that 
duty — to  wait  patiently  for  Him,  who  will  come 
and  not  tarry,  and  who  is  to  be  inquired  of  to  do 
for  Israel  the  good  thing  which  he  has  purposed. 
It  forcibly  teaches  also  that  we  are  not  to  despise 
the  day  of  small  things.     To  the  eye  of  sense  how 


184 


REVIVALS     OF    RELIGION. 


hopeless  was  the  cause  of  religion  in  Skye,  when 
Munro  stood  alone  there,  friends  as  yet  being  few, 
and  opponents  many.  Yet  how  striking  at  last 
was  the  testimony  given  to  the  persevering  faithful- 
ness of  that  humble  man,  who  went  out  without 
the  camp,  bearing  the  reproach  of  Christ,  and 
though  he  had  little  to  lose,  willingly  suffered  the 
loss  of  what  he  had,  to  follow  Him.  May  every 
one  who  loves  the  Lord  Jesus  hear  and  obey  the 
commandment:  "  Go  thou  and  do  likewise." 

The  divine  sovereignty,  manifested  in  the  work 
in  Skye,  ought  to  give  encouragement  to  those  who 
long  for  such  manifestations  of  grace  as  were  there 
afforded.  No  circumstances  can  be  so  hopeless  as 
to  justify  a  cessation  of  diligence  in  the  use  of  such 
means  as  are  ordinarily  employed  by  the  eternal 
Spirit,  in  his  work,  or  to  warrant  us  in  saying  that 
his  day  of  power  is  not  to  come  with  its  many 
blessings.  On  the  contrary  there  is  every  thing  in 
the  word  and  in  his  dealings  with  the  church  as  the 
foregoing  narrative  illustrates,  to  animate  us  in  the 
exercise  of  increased  faith,  and  a  more  lively  hope, 
even  as  to  situations  where  the  darkness  is  deepest 
and  the  "  spirit  of  slumber,"  the  most  profound. 
Let  us  therefore  "  gird  up  the  loins  of  our  mind, 
and  hope  to  the  end  for  the  grace  that  is  to  be 
brouorht  unto  us  at  the  revelation  of  Jesus  Christ." 


185 


PART  XI 


KILSYTH,  1839. 


Being  the  Sahstance  of  a  Statement  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Burns, 
Minister  of  the  Parish,  drawn  up  at  the  request  of  the 
Presbytery  of  Glasgow,  with  additions. 

I  WAS  admitted  to  the  charge  of  this  parish  on  the 
19th  April,  1821,  on  which  I  entered  "in  weak- 
ness, and  in  fear,  and  in  much  trembling."*  I 
saw  a  beautiful  valley  before  me,  like  that  of  Sodom, 
rich  and  well  watered ;  but,  alas  !  it  bore  too  close 
a  resemblance  to  it  also  in  its  spiritual  and  moral 
aspect.  Yet  there  were  several  Lots,  yea  Jacobs, 
among  them,  who  prayed  and  wrestled  for  the 
return  of  the  time  of  revival.  This  was  often  re- 
ferred to  in  the  prayers  of  my  predecessor,  and 
familiar  to  the  ears  of  our  people,  who  seemed  to 
think  it  an  honour  to  have  their  father's  names 
and  sepulchres  thus  built  up  and  honoured,  while 
they,  alas !  followed  not  their  example. 

A  visitation  of  every  family  in  a  parish,  after  a 
minister's  induction,  is  generally  an  important  event 
in  its  history.  Nothing  could  have  been  more 
kind  than  the  reception  I  received  from  all  classes 

*  1  Cor.  ii.  3— -my  first  text  on  Sabbath,  the  21st  April. 


186 


REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 


and  denominations,  and  which  has  met  me  ever 
since  in  ray  annual  rounds.  The  appearance,  too, 
at  church,  and  the  solemnity  and  prayers  at  fune- 
rals, struck  me  as  indicative  of  more  of  a  spirit  of 
religion  than  I  had  anticipated:  but  these  good 
symptoms  were  overbalanced  by  the  appalling  num- 
ber who  attended  no  place  of  worship,  and  by  the 
woful  prevalence  of  intemperance,  and  the  lightness 
with  which  that  vice  seemed  to  be  regarded,  even 
by  religious  professors.  I  was  struck  with  the 
meaning  of  our  Saviour's  words,  "  Because  iniquity 
shall  abound,  the  love  of  many  waxeth  cold," 

There  were  four  or  five  prayer  meetings  at  that 
time  in  the  ivhole  parish :  one  of  these,  composed 
of  the  session  members,  had  continued  ever  since  the 
days  of  Robe.  In  1823,  classes  on  week-day  even- 
ings, for  youth  of  both  sexes  from  fourteen  to  twenty 
years,  were  opened  by  myself.  Four  of  the  elders, 
who  are  now  so  active  in  the  cause  of  revival,  were 
members  of  the  young  men's  class.  Of  late  years 
a  great  increase  in  numbers  and  efficiency  has  taken 
place  in  the  Sabbath  schools;  and  in  1826,  a  most 
important  improvement  took  place  in  the  mode  of 
parochial  teaching.  The  mind  and  heart  were 
daily  plied  with  the  lessons  of  heavenly  as  well  as 
secular  wisdom.  In  1829,  however  there  were 
frightful  outbreakings  of  wickedness,  arising  out  of 
drunken  quarrels.  A  day  was  set  apart  (January, 
1830)  for  fasting  and  prayer  on  this  account,  and 
the  reasons  thereof  set  forth  by  a  memorial  from 
the  Kirk  Session.  It  was  very  solemnly  observed, 
and  was  followed  by  an  evident  blessing.  In  1832, 
the  cholera  visited  this  country.  We  saw  a  dark 
cloud  discharging  itself  on  the  neighbouring  town 
of  Kirkintilloch;  and  our  people  seemed  to  reason 
with  themselves,  "whether  this  comes  from  east  or 


KILSYTH. 


187 


west,  whether  from  natural  or  moral  causes  7/'e  may- 
be assured  of  a  visit  of  this  dire  calamity."  (Yet 
it  never  actually  came  to  us  !)  We  had  prayer 
meetings  weekly  in  town  and  the  two  Baronies, 
which  were  flocked  to  by  many,  anxious  that  they 
might  not  die  unprepared.  The  panic  soon  subsid- 
ed, and  the  prayer  meetings  were  thiimed.  I  see 
it  n\arked  in  my  day-book,  May  13,  1832,  "  Inti- 
mated prayer  meetings  for  revival  of  religion.''^ 
Several  lectures  were  given  on  the  subject;  at  the 
same  time  commenced  the  monthly  tract  distribu- 
tion, and  exertions  to  arrest  the  tide  of  intempe- 
rance, and  the  conducting  of  funerals  without  any 
other  service  excepting  a  prayer.  In  March,  1836, 
after  the  communion,  a  prayer  meeting  was  held  in 
the  church,  especially  for  revival,  addressed  by  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Walker  of  Muthil,  who  had  preached  on 
the  subject  on  the  Friday  before,  after  which  the 
prayer  meetings  in  dwelling-houses  were  consider- 
ably increased  in  number,  and  in  attendance — all 
in  connexion  with  the  Church.  The  Methodists 
had  been  for  some  years  more  or  less  active,  both 
in  the  town  and  the  East  Barony,  and  had  roused 
not  a  few  careless  individuals  ;  and  the  members  of 
the  Relief  set  about  similar  meetings.  Sabbath 
evening  lectures,  of  a  very  plain  and  familiar  char- 
acter, have  been  more  or  less  resorted  to,  but  regu- 
larly for  three  seasons  ;  and  have  been  mentioned 
by  several  individuals  as  the  means  of  first  impres- 
sing their  hearts.  A  goodly  number  of  poor  peo- 
ple came  out  to  these  evening  sermons,  who  could 
not  be  brought  to  attend  on  the  ordinary  services. 
Prayer  meetings  have  been  referred  to  by  many  as 
the  means  of  their  first  serious  thought ;  and  ser- 
mons delivered  in  the  church-yard  last  summer,  by 
Mr.  Somerville  of  Anderslon,  and  by  myself,  have 


188  REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 

been  often  menlioned  as  having  been  blessed  to 
awakening-  and  enlivening.  Nine  months  ago,  a 
new  missionary  meeting  began,  which  interested 
many  of  our  people.  Still,  after  all  these  and  other 
symptoms  of  good,  it  was  not  till  Tuesday,  the 
23d  July,  that  a  decided  and  unquestionable  religi- 
ous revival  took  place.  We  may  well  say  of  the 
amazing  scene  we  iiave  witnessed,  "  When  the 
Lord  turned  our  captivity  we  were  as  men  that 
dreamed/'  We  have,  as  it  were,  been  awakened 
from  a  dream  of  a  hundred  years. 

The  communion  had  been,  as  usual,  upon  the 
third  Sabbath,  and  21st  day.  Intimation  had  been 
made  upon  the  Saturday,  that  the  minister  would 
wish  to  converse  with  such  persons  as  were  under 
religious  concern,  inasmuch  as  two  or  three  had 
previously  called  upon  that  errand.  The  effect 
was  that  several  other  individuals  did  come  to  con- 
verse. The  Monday  evening  was  the  half-yearly 
general  meeting  of  our  Missionary  Society,  when 
a  sermon  was  delivered  by  Dr.  Burns  of  Paisly — 
text,  Isaiah,  lii,  1:  "Awake,"  &c.  It  was  inti- 
mated that  Mr.  William  C.  Burns,  who  had  preach- 
ed several  times  with  much  power  during  the 
solemnity,  would  address  the  people  of  Kilsyth 
next  day,  if  the  weather  proved  favourable,  in  the 
open  air,  the  object  being  to  get  those  to  hear  the 
word  who  could  not  be  brought  out  in  the  ordinary 
way.  It  was  known  too,  that  he  was  very  shortly 
to  leave  this  place  for  Dundee,  and  probably  soon 
to  engage  in  missionary  labours  in  a  distant  land. 
The  day  was  cloudy  and  rainy.  The  crowd,  how- 
ever, in  the  Market  Place  was  great ;  and,  on  being 
invited  to  repair  to  the  church,  it  was  soon  crowded 
to  an  overflow — the  stairs,  passages,  and  porches, 
being  filled  with  a  large  assemblage  of  all  descrip- 


KILSYTH.  189 

tions  of  persons  in  their  ordinary  clothes.  The 
prayer  was  solemn  and  affecting;  the  chapter  read 
without  any  comment  was  Acts  ii.  The  sermon 
proceeded  from  Psalm  ex.  3,  "  Thy  people  shall 
be  willing  in  the  day  of  thy  power."  Throughout 
the  whole  sermon  there  was  more  than  usual  seri- 
ousness and  tenderness  pervading  the  hearers ;  but 
it  was  towards  the  close,  when  depicting  the  re- 
markable scene  at  Kirk  of  Shotts,  on  the  Monday 
after  the  communion  there,  1630,  when,  under  the 
preaching  of  Mr.  John  Livingstone,  a  native  of  Kil- 
syth, five  hundred  were  converted,*  that  the  emotions 
of  the  audience  became  too  strong  to  be  suppressed. 
The  eyes  of  most  of  the  audience  were  in  tears ; 
and  those  who  could  observe  the  countenances  of 
the  hearers  expected  half  an  hour  before,  the  scene 
which  followed.  After  reciting  Mr.  Livingstone's 
text,  Ezekiel  xxxvi.  "  A  new  heart  will  I  give," 
&c.,  and  when  pressing  upon  his  hearers  the  all- 
important  concern  of  salvation,  while,  with  very 
uncommon  pathos  and  tenderness,  he  pressed  im- 
mediate acceptance  of  Christ,  each  for  himself — 
when  referring  to  the  affecting  and  awful  state,  in 
which  he  dreaded  the  thought  of  leaving  so  many 
of  them  whom  he  now  saw  probably  for  the  last 
time — when,  again  and  again,  as  he  saw  his  words 
telling  on  the  audience,  beseeching  sinners,  old  and 
young,  to  embrace  Christ  and  be  saved — when  he 
was  at  the  height  of  his  appeal,  with  the  words, 
»'  no  cross  no  crown,'^ — then  it  was  that  the  emo- 
tions of  the  audience  were  most  overpoweringly 
expressed.  A  scene  which  scarcely  can  be  describ- 
ed took  place.     I  have  no  doubt,  from  the  effects 

*  See  the  Narrative  of  this  Revival  in  Part  IV.  of  this 
Series. 

17 


190  REVIVALS    OF   RELIGION. 

which  have  followed,  and  from  the  very  numerous 
references  to  this  day's  service,  as  the  immediate 
cause  of  their  remarkable  change  of  heart  and  life, 
that  the  convincing  and  convening  influence  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  was  at  that  time  most  unusually  and 
remarkably  conveyed.  For  a  time  the  preacher's 
voice  was  quite  inaudible;  a  psalm  was  sung 
tremulously  by  the  precentor,  and  by  a  portion  of 
the  audience,  most  of  whom  were  in  tears.  I  was 
called  by  one  of  the  elders  to  come  to  a  woman 
who  was  praying  in  deep  distress ;  several  indivi- 
duals were  removed  to  the  session-house,  and  a 
prayer  meeting  was  immediately  commenced.  Dr. 
Burns,  of  Paisley,  spoke  to  the  people  in  church, 
in  the  way  of  caution  and  of  direction,  that  the 
genuine,  deep,  inward  working  of  the  Spirit  might 
go  on,  not  encouraging  animal  excitement. 

The  church  was  dismissed  after  1  had  intimated 
that  we  were  ready  to  converse  with  all  who  were 
distressed  and  anxious,  and  that  there  would  be  a 
meeting  again  in  the  evening  for  worship  at  six 
o'clock.  We  then  adjourned  to  the  vestry  and 
session-house,  which  were  completely  filled  with 
the  spiritually-afflicted,  and  a  considerable  time 
was  occupied  with  them.  Several  of  the  distressed 
were  relieved  before  we  parted.  These  were  per- 
sons believed  to  be  Christians,  but  who  were  not 
before  this  rejoicing  in  hope.  Others  continued 
for  days  in  great  anxiety,  and  came  again  and 
again ;  but  are  now,  generally  speaking,  in  a  peace- 
ful and  hopeful  state,  and  have  been  conversing 
with  a  view  to  admission  to  the  Lord's  table. 

In  the  evening  the  church  was  again  crowded  to 
excess.  Mr.  Lyon  of  Banton  lectured  on  the  para- 
ble of  the  prodigal  son,  and  Mr.  William  C.  Burns 
preached  from  Matth.  xviii.  3,  "  Except  ye  be  con- 


KILSYTH. 


191 


verted,"  &c.  The  impression  was  deepened  ;  but 
there  was  no  great  excitement,  the  aim  of  the 
preacher  bein^  to  forward  a  genuine  work  of  the 
Spirit.*  A  great  many  came  to  the  manse  to  speak 
about  their  souls.  Evening  meetings  in  the  church 
were  continued  without  intermission,  and  even  in 
the  mornings  occasionally.  Our  hands  were  full, 
but  the  work  was  precious,  and  often  delightful. 
Our  elders  and  praying  men  were,  and  still  are,  very 
useful  in  aiding  us.  He  who  was  honoured  as  the 
chief  instrument  of  the  awakening  was  earnestly 
sought  out,  and  our  part  in  it  became  comparatively 
small  till  the  work  had  made  progress. 

On  Thursday,  the  25th,  the  day  proving  favour- 
able, the  meeting  was  called  in  the  Market  Square, 
where  an  immense  crowd  assembled  at  half-past 
six.  From  the  top  of  a  stair  Mr.  W.  C.  Burns 
addressed  upwards  of  three  thousand  from  Psal. 
Ixxi.  10,  "I  will  go  in  the  strength  of  the  Lord 
God."  The  emotions  of  the  audience  were  power- 
ful, but  for  the  most  part  silent,  though  now  and 
then  there  might  be  the  utterance  of  feeling,  and, 
in  countenances  beyond  numbering,  expressions 
of  earnest  and  serious  concern.  Six  young  girls, 
from  fourteen  to  sixteen  years,  two  of  them  or- 
phans, came  next  day  bathed  in  tears,  and  seeking 
Christ.  The  scene  was  deeply  affecting.  This 
day  (26ih)  many  conversations  were  held  by  Mr. 
VV.  C.  Burns  in  the  session-house;  by  myself  and 
my  other  son  (on  trial  for  license)  in  the  manse. 
Upon  Sabbath,  the  28ih,  the  church  was  crowded, 
and  with  the  unusual  appearance  of  not  a  few 
females  without  bonnets  and  men  and  children  in 

*  Mr.  W.  C.  Burns  found  it  impossible  to  leave  a  scent 
so  interesting,  and  Mr.  Lyon  went  to  Dundee  to  supply  his 
place. 


192 


REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 


week-day  and  working  dresses.  I  preached  from 
Heb.  iv.  16.  In  the  afternoon  we  met  at  three  in 
the  churchyard,  where  there  assembled  not  fewer 
than  four  thousand.  The  sermon  by  Mr.  W.  C.  Burns 
was  solid  and  impressive,  from  Rom.  viii.  1.  He 
finished  about  five  o'clock;  butafterthe  blessing  was 
pronounced,  about  a  third  part  either  remained  or 
soon  returned,  of  various  ages,  but  especially  young, 
which  led  to  various  questionings,  at  first,  and  then 
remarks,  and  appeals  frequently  repeated,  which 
led  to  great  meltings  of  heart  in  many,  and,  in  a 
few  cases,  to  considerable  agitation;  so  much  so, 
that  my  son  and  I  continued  to  address  the  hearers 
in  various  ways-,  and  to  sing  and  pray  over  and 
over  again,  the  people  still  unwilling  to  depart. 
Four  of  our  pious  men,  two  of  whom  were  elders, 
were  called  to  pray  at  intervals,  which  they  did  in 
a  most  appropriate  and  affecting  manner.  Even 
at  half-past  eight  it  was  with  difficulty  we  got  to  a 
close,  proposing  to  have  a  meeting  next  morning 
at  seven  in  the  church.  A  great  many  still  pressed 
around  as  we  left  the  churchyard  for  the  manse, 
and  several  remained  till  eleven  or  twelve  o'clock. 
Next  morning  I  went  to  the  church  at  seven,  after 
calling  on  an  aged  woman  on  the  way,  whose  cries 
of  distress  arrested  me.  Even  at  that  early  hour 
there  were  from  two  to  three  hundred  met  in  solemn 
silence,  joining  with  me  in  prayer  and  praise,  and 
listening  to  a  short  exposition  of  Song,  ii.  10—14. 
Through  the  whole  day  conversations  were  held 
in  the  manse,  and  in  the  vestry  and  session-house. 
In  the  evening  the  bell  rung  at  half-past  six.  The 
church  being  before  that  filled,  and  as  great  a  num- 
ber pressing  forward,  it  was  found  necessary  to 
adjourn  to  the  Market  Square.  Mr.  Somerville  of 
Anderston  addressed  a  very  large  assembly  of  most 


KILSYTH.  193 

attentive  hearers,  from  John  xvi.  14.  At  the  close 
I  was  called  to  see  three  or  four  very  affecting 
cases  of  mental  distress,  and  there  was  still  a  desire 
to  get  more  of  the  word  and  prayer.  There  was 
an  adjournment  to  the  church,  where  at  first,  as  I 
understand  (for  I  was  engaged  as  above  stated,) 
there  was  considerable  excitement,  but  which  sub- 
sided into  solemn  and  deep  emotion,  while  Mr.  W. 
C.  Burns  and  Mr.  Somerville  addressed  the  people, 
and  joined  in  prayer  and  praise.  Next  day  at 
eleven  a.  m.  Mr.  Somerville  again  addressed  a  full 
congregation  in  the  church. 

Ever  since  the  date  to  which  I  have  brought  this 
imperfect  narrative,  widi  the  exception  of  one 
evening,  we  have  had  meetings  every  evening 
for  prayer,  for  the  most  part  along  with  preaching 
of  the  word.  On  the  evening  referred  to  (the  6ih 
August,)  there  was  held  a  meeting  in  the  Relief 
church,  which,  was  crowded  by  various  classes, 
the  work  expressly  approved  of  by  the  ministers 
present,  Mr.  W.  Anderson  of  Glasgow,  and  Mr. 
Banks  of  Paisley.  From  the  first  the  people  of 
the  Relief  congregation  seemed  interested  in  the 
work  equally  with  our  own  people,  and  thiere  ap- 
pears to  this  day  to  be  much  of  the  spirit  of  love 
diffused  among  us.  The  state  of  society  is  com- 
pletely changed.  Politics  are  quite  over  with  us. 
Religion  is  the  only  topic  of  interest.  They  who 
passed  each  other  before,  are  now  seen  shaking 
hands,  and  conversing  about  the  all-engrossing  sub- 
ject. The  influence  is  so  generally  diffused,  that 
a  stranger  going  at  hazard  into  any  house  would 
find  himself  in  tlie  midst  of  it. 

The  awakening  in  the  newly-erected  parish  of 
Banton  has  of  late  become  most  intensely  interest- 
ing.    At  a  prayer  meeting  in  the  school  there,  the 


194  REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 

whole  present,  above  one  hundred  men  and  women, 
not  a  few  of  them  hardened  miners  and  colliers, 
were  mehed.  Every  night  since  this  day  week 
there  have  been  meeiings  in  the  church  of  I3anton, 
and  many  earnest  inquirers.  The  missionary,  Mr. 
Lyon,  wliose  labours  have  been  for  upwards  of  a 
year  greatly  blessed,  has  been  aided,  as  I  have  been, 
by  many  excellent  friends  in  the  ministry,  and  the 
work  goes  on  there  in  a  manner  fully  as  surprising 
as  here.  I  am  under  obligations  to  my  brethren 
for  iheir  ready  and  efficient  services.  I  may  just 
mention  Mr.  Duncan  of  Glasgow,  Mr.  Macnaugh- 
tan  of  Paisley,  Mr.  Moody  of  Edinburgh,  Mr. 
M'Donald  of  Urquhart,  and  Mr.  Jamieson  Willis,  as 
having  been  longest  with  us,  and  given  valuable 
assistance ;  with  Mr.  Salmon,  our  former  teacher. 

We  are  tried  by  the  intrusion  among  us  of  teach- 
ers who  are  likely  to  sow  divisions,  some  of  them, 
Stranoubt,  much  safer  in  doctrine  than  others, 
no  dgers  also  who  come  among  us,  from  good 
motives,  are  in  danger  of  injuring  our  converts  by 
over-kindness,  and  bringing  them  too  much  into 
notice.  Enemies  are  waiting  for  occasion  of 
triumph  ;  and  professors  of  religion,  of  a  cold  des- 
cription, are  doubting  and  waiting  a  long  time  ere 
they  trust  that  any  good  is  doing.  Meantime  the 
work  proceeds  most  certainly  ;  and  from  day  to 
day  there  are  additions  to  the  "  Church  of  such  as 
shall  be  saved."  The  sermons  preached  are  none 
of  them  eccentric  or  imaginative,  but  sound  and 
scriptural ;  and  there  is  not,  as  formerly,  a  tendency 
to  compare  the  merits  of  preachers,  but  a  hearing 
in  earnest,  and  for  life  and  death. 

The  waiting  on  of  young  and  older  people  at 
the  close  of  each  meeting,  and  the  anxious  asking 
of  so  many  "  what  to  do" — the  lively  singing  of 


KILSYTH.  195 

the  praises  of  God,  which  every  visiter  remarks — 
the  complete  desuetude  of  swearing  and  foolish 
talking  in  our  streets — the  order  and  solemnity  at 
all  hours  pervading ;  the  song  of  praise  and  prayer 
almost  in  every  house — the  cessation  of  the  tu- 
mults of  the  people — the  consignment  to  the  flames 
of  volumes  of  infidelity  and  impurity* — the  coming 
together  for  Divine  worship  and  heavenly  teaching 
of  such  a  multitude  of  our  population  day  after 
day — the  large  catalogue  of  new  intending  commu- 
nicants giving  in  their  names,  and  conversing  in 
the  most  interesting  manner  on  the  most  important 
subjects — not  a  few  of  the  old,  careless  sinners, 
and  other  frozen  formalists,  awakened,  and  made 
alive  to  God — the  conversion  of  several  poor  col- 
liers,! who  have  come  to  me,  and  given  the  most 
satisfactory  account  of  their  change  of  mind  and 
heart,  are  truly  wonderful  proofs  of  a  most  sur- 
prising and  delightful  revival. 

The  case  of  D.  S.,  collier,  may  be  mentioned 
as  interesting.  He  had  for  some  lime  been  thought- 
ful, and  had  given  up  entirely  taking  any  intoxi- 
cating liquor  and  might  be  characterized  as  one  of 
the  more  hopeful  description.  Since  the  present 
awakening,  he  was  deeply  convinced  of  his  sin  and 
misery,  and  for  a  month  was  deeply  exercised,  and 
spending  much  time  in  secret  prayer  and  reading 
the  Scriptures.  On  the  evening  of  the  21st  of 
August,  he  had  a  meeting  with  several  of  his  pray- 
ing companions,  and  spent  the  night  in  prayer, 

*  W.  S.  in  presence  of  an  elder  and  several  witnesses, 
with  his  own  hand  took  down  some  books  of  this  descrip- 
tion, and  put  them  in  the  fire. 

t  A.  B.,  T.  A.,  J.  S.,  W.  P.,  and  A.  M.,  colliers,  all 
joined  at  the  communion,  after  giving  very  satisfactory 
accounts  of  their  conversion. 


196 


REVIVALS    OF    KELIGION. 


praise,  and  converse.  He  appears  to  have  obtained 
peace  during  that  night,  and  came  home  to  his 
house  in  a  very  happy  state  of  mind.  After  taking 
two  hours'  rest,  he  worshipped  with  his  family, 
and  proceeded  to  his  work.  Being  the  foreman, 
it  was  his  lot  to  descend  first  into  the  pit,  which  he 
did  with  unusual  alacrity  and  with  prayer.  On 
reaching  the  bottom,  the  air  instantly  exploded,  and 
in  a  moment  he  was  ushered  into  eternity  !  How 
soothing  and  cheering  the  thought  that  he  has  es- 
caped the  everlasting  burnings,  and  has  passed 
literally  through  the  fire  to  the  regions  of  glory ! 

But  the  bounds  of  this  communication  will  not 
permit  enlargement.  The  work  I  consider  as  on- 
going and  increasing.  The  limits  of  Satan's  do- 
mains here  are  diminishing  daily.  The  account 
not  a  few  give  of  their  conversion  is,  that  they 
could  not  think  of  being  left  a  prey  when  others 
were  making  their  escape.  There  is  thus  a  pro- 
vision made  for  the  increase  of  the  kingdom  of 
Christ  by  a  kind  of  laudable  jealousy — a  pressing 
in  ere  the  door  be  shut. 

I  have  been  engaged,  and  still  continue  to  be 
engaged,  in  conversing  with  new  communicants ; 
and  never  before  now  have  I  had  such  pleasant 
work  in  listening  to,  and  marking  down,  the  ac- 
counts which  the  youngest  to  the  oldest  give  of  the 
state  of  their  minds.  While  some,  who  seem  to 
be  savingly  impressed,  have  given  a  somewhat 
figurative  account  of  their  feeling,  yet,  in  by  far 
the  greater  number  of  instances,  they  give  most 
Scriptural  and  intelligible  accounts  of  their  convic- 
tions, and  of  the  grounds  on  which  they  rest  their 
peace.  Their  experiences  are  evidently  so  various, 
as  not  to  be  in  any  degree  copies  of  each  other. 
Yet  they  all  end  in  building  upon  the  sure  founda- 


KILSYTH.  197 

tion,  Christ  in  the  promise,  and  Christ  formed  in 
them.  The  question  naturally  occurs,  and  has 
been  put,  *' Is  there  any  thing  peculiar  in  the  sub- 
jects and  mode  of  address  of  the  sermons  which 
have  been  so  remarkably  successful?"  I  answer, 
that  upon  a  groundwork  of  solid,  clear,  and  simply 
expressed  views  of  Divine  truth,  there  was  a  great 
measure  of  affectionate,  earnest  pleading,  rich  ex- 
hibition of  the  fulness  and  freeness  of  the  Gospel, 
eminently  calculated  to  convey  to  the  hearers  the 
conviction  and  feeling  of  the  sincerity  of  the  preach- 
er, and  of  the  rich  grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus.  It 
has  also  been  a  matter  of  general  remark,  that  there 
is  an  unction  and  deep  solemnity  inihe  prayers  of 
the  preacher  who  has  been  honoured  to  begin  this 
work,  and  which,  perhaps,  even  more  tlian  the 
sermons,  have  made  way  to  the  heart.  We  have  had 
much  precious  truth  presented  to  us  by  my  much 
beloved  brethren,  to  whom  it  must  be  gratifying  to 
be  assured,  that  in  conversations  with  my  people, 
there  have  been  references,  I  may  say,  to  each  of 
their  discourses,  as  having  been  profitable,  as  well 
as  acceptable ;  and  that  having  been  so  well  sup- 
ported by  their  co-operation,  and  the  Presbyterial 
notice  taken  of  the  subject,  we  cherish  the  pleasing 
hope,  that,  under  the  special  and  continuing  bless- 
ing of  the  great  Head  of  the  Church,  this  will 
prove  not  only  a  genuine,  but  an  extensive  and  a 
permanent  revival — the  only  means  of  arresting 
our  downward  course,  and  effecting  that  blessed 
consummation,  which  the  diffusion  of  merely  intel- 
lectual knowledge  will  never  accomplish. 

WILLIAM  BURNS, 

Minister  of  Kilsyth. 
Manse,  Kilsyth,  Sept.  16,  1839. 
18 


198  REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 

N.  B.  On  the  20th  January  this  year,  there  was  held  a 
meeting  of  a  newly. organized  Missionary  Society,  address- 
ed by  myself,  Mr.  Lyon,  Mr.  W.  C.  Burns,  and  Mr.  John 
Adam,  student  in  divinity,  which  forms  an  era  in  this 
parish.  A  good  many  who  had  taken  no  interest  formerly 
in  religious  concerns,  began  from  this  date  to  attend  meet- 
ings, and  to  give  weekly  offerings  to  the  collection ;  and 
this  is  referred  to  by  not  a  few  as  a  time  of  refreshing. 


199 


ACCOUNT  OF  THE  COMMUNION 


SEPTEMBER  22,  1839. 


About  three  weeks  after  this  remarkable  work  commenced,  it 
was  considered  most  desirable  and  obbgatory  to  have  another 
communion  season.  The  Session  met  lor  special  prayer  for 
direction  as  to  the  matter,  and  afterwards  as  to  the  time  most 
suitable. 

The  number  of  new  communicants  amounts  nearly  to  ninety. 
A  few  who  spoke  on  the  subject  seem  to  have  had  scruples,  and 
did  not  come  Ibrward  With  the  exception  of  a  very  lew,  the 
account  given  of  their  views  and  spiritual  condition  has  been 
very  pleasing  and  satisfying.  They  vary  in  regard  to  age  from 
twelve  to  three  score  and  ten;  a  good  many  are  from  fifteen 
to  eighteen  years  of  age.  The  work  of  examining,  has  been  of 
a  different  character  from  that  of  former  years,  wherein  '•  tt-e 
have  seen  evil."  JNo  doubt  the  systematic  knowledge  of  not  a 
few  of  them  is  deficient,  and  much  pains  must  be  taken  by 
themselves  and  by  us  in  this  matter.  I  have  urged  on  the  young 
converts  especially  a  very  careful  study  of  the  Shorter  Cate- 
chism, and  the  earnest,  close,  and  prayerful  study  of  the  Scrip- 
tures. We  solicit  the  prayers  of  Christian  friends  and  ministers, 
that  we  may  have  the  great  joy  of  seeing  our  children  "  walk- 
ing in  the  truth,"  and  established  with  grace. 

The  number  of  communicants  would  doubtless  have  been 
greater  had  we  defisrred  the  communion  for  a  few  weeks,  as 
the  Banton  revival  is  not  so  far  advanced  as  to  have  furnished 
a  large  addition. 

A  great  concourse  of  people,  including  not  a  few  genuine 
friends  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  assembled  to  our  communion.  It  is 
thought  that  not  fewer  than  from  twelve  to  fifteen  thousand 
were  in  and  about  the  town  of  Ivilsyth  upon  the  Lord's  day ;  at 
the  Tent  the  number  is  estimated  at  about  ten  or  twelve  thou- 
.sand.  The  day  was  uncommonly  favourable;  and  indeed  during 
the  whole  interesting  season  external  circumstances  were  most 
propitious,  and  having  been  made  the  matter  of  special  prayer, 
the  answer  should  be  marked  and  remembered. 


200  REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 

On  the  Fast  day  (Thursday)  public  worship  began  at  the 
usual  hour,  the  minister  commencing  with  praise  and  prayer, 
and  reading  Psalms  cxxvi.  and  cxxx.  The  Rev.  C.  J.  Brown  of 
Edinburgh  preached  from  Rom.  vii.  9,  "I  was  alive  without  the 
law  once,"  &c  The  Rev.  Dr.  Malan  of  Geneva  preached 
in  the  afternoon,  from  John  xiv.  29,  "  Peace  I  leave  with 
you,"  &c.  Mr.  McXaughten  of  Paisley  in  the  evening  from 
Isaiah  xlii.  3,  "  A  bruised  reed  shall  he  not  break,"  &c.  He 
preached  also  at  Banton,  and  Mr.  Cunningham  of  Edinburgh 
from  the  words  in  Rom.  v.  8,  "God  commendeth  his  love  to  us." 
Friday  evening  the  Rev.  Mr.  Middleton  of  Strathmiglo  preached 
from  Jer.  viii.  22,  "  Is  there  no  balm  in  Gilead,  is  there  no  phy- 
sician there  V  Saturday  Mr.  W.  C.  Burns  preached  in  the  tent 
to  a  large  assembly  from  Rom.  x.  4,  "  Christ  is  the  end  of  the 
law,"  <fec.  In  the  evening  Mr.  Somerville  of  Anderston  preach- 
ed to  a  crowded  audience  from  John  xvi.  on  the  work  of  the 
Spirit.  This  was  a  remarkable  night  of  prayer,  secret  and  so- 
cial ;  probably  there  was  not  an  hour  or  watch  of  the  night  alto- 
gether silent.  The  beds  were  not  much  occupied  :  many,  like 
the  Psalmist,  prevented  the  dawning  of  the  morning.  The 
morning  bell  rung  at  nine  o'clock,  and  worship  began  at  fully 
twenty  mmutes  to  ten,  both  in  church  and  at  the  tent.  The 
action  sermon  was  from  John  vi.  35,  "  I  am  the  bread  of  life," 
&c.  Mr.  Brown  of  Edinburgh  fenced  the  tables.  Mr.  Rose  of 
Glasgow  preached  in  the  Tent  and  fenced  the  tables. 

The  first  table,  as  usual,  contained  about  one  hundred;  but 
to  prevent  confusion  and  undue  protraction  of  the  services, 
arising  from  so  unusual  a  number  of  communicants,  the  second 
was  composed  of  those  already  seated  in  the  body  of  the  church; 
after  this  the  third  was  composed  of  those  in  the  usual  bounds, 
with  a  few  seats  additional,  and  the  remainder  were  served  in 
the  usual  tables,  so  that  the  great  accession  was  not  felt  as  any 
obstruction  to  order  or  comfort.  The  ministers  were  at  full 
liberty  to  address  the  communicants  without  the  constant  urgen- 
cy of  studied  brevity.  There  were  eight  services  as  follows: — 
The  Minister,  first ;  Mr.  Martin  of  Bathgate,  second  ;  Mr.  Demp- 
ster of  Denny,  third;  Mr.  Brown,  fourth;  Mr.  Somerville,  fifth; 
Mr.  Rose,  sixth;  Mr.  Duncan,  Kirkintilloch,  seventh;  and  Dr. 
Dewar,  eighth. 

Mr.  Rose  preached  in  the  evening  from  Isaiah  xlii.  3.  All  over 
by  nine,  without  interval.  In  the  tent,  after  Mr.  Rose,  Mr.  W.  C. 
Burns,  Mr.  Middleton,  Mr.  Somerville,  and  Dr.  Dewar  preached. 
Mr.  W.  C.  Burns  preached  again,  by  moonlight,  to  a  great  assem- 
bly, from  "  The  mountains  may  depart,"  d:c.  All  was  most  orderly 
and  decorous,  and  in  many  cases  there  were  symptoms  of  deep 
emotion.  We  have  heard  of  several  well  authenticated  cases 
of  persons  who  came  with  levity  of  mind  and  went  away  deep- 
ly impressed;  and  of  one  or  two  who  could  not  get  away;  but 
remained  over  Monday.     Besides  the  vast  crowd  at  the  tent, 


KILSYTH.  201 

Messrs.  Martin,  Dempster,  Brown,  and  Harper  (of  Bannockburn) 
severally  addressed  groups  of"  people  near  the  church,  waiting 
for  entrance  to  the  tables.*  Alter  public  service,  a  great  num- 
ber of  the  godly  strangers,  and  of  our  younger  members,  and  of 
persons  concerned  about  salvation,  remained.  The  younger 
ministers  present  continued  in  exhortation,  prayer,  and  psalms 
successivel}^  for  a  considerable  time  in  a  most  solemn,  affec- 
tionate manner,  fieeling  unusual  enlargement  in  their  own  spi- 
rits, with  much  of  the  felt  gracious  presence  oi'God. 

On  Monday,  at  a  quarter  past  eleven,  probably  from  two  to 
three  thousand  assembled  around  the  tent.t  Dr.  Devvar  preached 
from  John  xvi.  5,  "  He  (the  Spirit  of  truth)  will  convince  the 
world  of  sin,"  &c.  Mr.  W.  C.  Burns  preached  from  Kzek.  xxxvi. 
23 — 26,  "  A  new  heart  will  I  give  you,"  6:c.  'J"he  hour  of  five 
struck  ere  all  was  over,  and  very  few  withdrew  previously. 
The  sensation  was  deep  and  solemn.  In  the  evening  Mr.  Brown 
preached  in  the  church  from  "What  do  ye  more  more  than 
others?"  Similar  exercises  were  engaged  in  also  on  the  Monday 
night  as  on  Sabbath  night ;  which  the  ungodly  jeer  at,  the  for 
mal  wonder  at  and  censure,  and  which  many  good  Christians 
would  at  first  pronounce  rather  carrying  it  too  far.  But  the  fact 
is,  that  this  is  a  spring-tide,  a  very  uncommon  season,  in  which 
a  rigid  adherence  to  the  rules  of  ordinary  times  must  not  be  ap- 
plied. We  have  been  drawing  up  a  large  draught,  and  ihenels 
cannot  be  kept  and  laid  by  so  orderly  and  silently  as  usual. 

This  precious  season  of  communion  is  now  over  and  gone, 
but  the  remembrance  is  sweet.  Having  been  preceded,  accom- 
panied, and  followed  by  a  very  unusual  copiousness  of  prayer, 
the  showers  in  answer  have  been  very  copious  and  refreshing. 
We  are  daily  hearing  of  good  done  to  strangers,  who  came 
Zaccheus-like  to  see  what  it  was,  who  have  been  pierced  in 
heart  and  have  gone  away  new  men.  Our  own  people  of  Chris- 
tian spirit  have  been  greatly  enlivened  and  strengthened,  and 
some  very  hopeful  cases  of  apparently  real  beginnings  of  new 
life  have  been  brought  to  our  knowledge.  I  feel  grateful  to  the 
God  of  grace  and  God  of  order  in  the  churches,  that  there  has 

*  The  communion  proceeded  in  the  ordinary  way  in  the  Relief 
church,  with  the  assistance  of  Mr.  Frew  from  St.  Ninians. 

t  Many  ministers  were  present  that  day.  Besides  those  already 
mentioned,  we  noticed  Mr.  Laurie  of  Gargunnock,  Mr.  Leitch,  Stir- 
ling, Mr.  Hetherington  of  Torpichen,  Mr.  Cochran,  Cumbernauld, 
Mr.  J.  Willis,  Mr.  Bonar,  and  Mr.  Morison  of  Larbert ;  and  Mr.  Jef- 
frey, Paisley.  Mr.  Lee  of  Campsie  was  present  upon  Saturday,  and 
on  the  Sai)bath  Mr.  Forman  of  Kirkintilloch  and  IVIr.  Cochran.  Many 
excellent  elders  also  were  preser.t  assistin;^  us,  as  Mr.  II.  Brown, 
Fairley,  Dr.  Russell,  Edinburgh,  .Mr.  R.  Moody,  Mr.  II.  Knox,  Mr. 
John  Robertson,  Mr.  Hay  Burns,  3Ir.  Penney,  Glasgow,  Mr.  Simpson, 
Port  Glasgow,  Mr.  McDonald,  Cochno,  Bailie  Shaw,  Rutherglen,  and 
Bailie  McKenzic,  Inverness. 


202  REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 

been  such  a  concurrence  of  what  is  true,  venerable,  pure,  just, 
lovely,  and  of  good  report,  and  that  little  indeed  has  escaped 
from  any  of  us  which  can  justly  cause  regret.  We  are  anxious 
(we  trust  we  have  a  good  conscience)  that  nothing  should  be 
done  against,  but  every  thing /or  the  truth,  that  God  in  all 
things  may  be  glorified  through  Jesus  Christ.  The  solemn  ap- 
pearance of  the  communion  tables,  and  the  delightful  manner 
in  which  they  were  exhorted — the  presence  of  not  a  few  un- 
usually young  disciples  at  the  tables — the  seriousness  of  aspect 
in  all,  and  the  softening  and  melting  look  of  others,  made  upon 
every  rightly  disposed  witness  a  very  delightful  impression. 
May  the  Lord  give  abundant  increase. 

For  ninety  years,  doubtless,  there  has  not  been  in  this  parish 
such  a  season  of  prayer  and  holy  communings  and  conferences 
— nor  at  any  period  such  a  number  of  precious  sermons  deliver- 
ed: the  spiritual  awakening  and  the  genuine  conversions  at 
this  time  are  not  few,  and  it  is  hoped  will  come  forth  to  victory. 
But  the  annals  of  eternity  only  will  divulge  the  whole! 
The  enemy,  the  Devil,  has  been  also  among  us,  and  isdoubtless 
busy  riow— more  so  than  at  the  time  of  this  dispensation.  We 
are  not  ignorant  of  his  devices. 

Yet  upon  the  whole,  there  is  much  cause  indeed  to  give  God 
the  glory  for  what  he  hath  wrought.  That  he  halh  been  the 
chief  worker  is  most  undoubted,  for  *'  the  Son  of  God  was  mani- 
fested to  destroy  the  works  of  the  Devil,"  and  his  works  have 
been  much  damaged  and  brought  down  among  us.  The  public 
houses,  the  coalpits,*  the  harvest  reaping  fields,  the  weaving 
loom-steads,  the  recesses  of  our  glens,  and  the  sequestered 
haughs  around,  all  may  be  called  to  witness,  that  there  is  a 
mighty  change  in  this  place  for  the  better. 

The  wicked  sooff— nay,some  we  hear  around  us,  or  passing  by, 
have  brought  upon  themselves  thegreat  guiltofspeakingevil  of 
this  work.  We  pray  for  them.  "They  know  not  what  they  do!" 
Some  decent  professors  and  moral  people,  are  opposed  to  this 
whole  work,  and  say,  "If  it  continue,  it  may  do  good,"  but  they  do 
nothing  to  make  it  continue,  and  others  throw  cold  water  upon 
it.  It  is  strange,  that  when  sermons  seem  to  make  no  impres- 
sion, these  persons  should  feel  no  anxiety  about  the  permanency 
of  the  good  expected — but  when  there  is  really  appearance  of 
good  impressions,  their  doubt  should  be  e.xpressed  about  the 
duration  of  the  good  promised.  Shall  we  be  satisfied  that  we 
preach,  and  are  heard,  and  no  one  showing  any  concern,  but 
just  sitting,  and  it  may  be,  sleeping  out  the  hours,  and  return- 

*  A  coal  master  here  bears  witness,  that  the  colliers  who  were  for- 
merly drunk  ten  days  in  the  month,  are  now  sober,  and  that  instead 
of  swearing,  they  have  prayer-meetings  below  ground,  and  are  order- 
ly. And  why  should  colliers  not  be  numbered  among  saints,  and  be 
kings  and  priests  to  God  ?  Pious  colliers  and  miners,  what  a  trea- 
sure! 


KILSYTH.  203 

ing  home  as  they  came?  Surely,  surely  even  a  degree,  yea,  a 
great  deal  of  enthusiasm,  is  better  than  death-like  insensibility. 

Such  godly  fear  has  come  upon  the  people,  that  scarcely  a 
single  instance  of  intoxication,  or  any  approach  to  it,  has  been 
observed  in  the  whole  multitude  assembled,  vvherens  formerly 
the  prevalence  of  this  and  the  quarrels  it  engendered  brought 
dishonour  on  tent-preaching,  and  in  fact  extinguished  it. 

Special  instances  of  good  done  are  naturally  called  for.  Many 
memorable  cases  can  be  produced.  Selection  is  difficult.  A 
woman  from  Airdrie  was  observed  by  a  fiew  around  her  to  be 
much  impressed  while  Mr.  VV.  C.  Burns  preached.  She  at 
length  left  the  field  and  retired  for  prayer.  After  a  little  she 
was  followed  by  some  praying  people,  who  conversed  with  her. 
She  seems  to  have  undergone  a  complete  change,  and  went 
away  in  a  composed  frame.  A  young  gentleman  from  Glasgow, 
with  whom  I  and  Mr.  Brown  conversed,  who  had  come  with 
some  indefinite  notion  of  good  or  of  being  pleased,  went  home  a 
new  man  in  Christ  Jesus.  I  know  several  cases  of  whole 
houses  being  really  converted.  Mrs.  11.  has  been  converted  in 
a  very  wonderful  way.  She  had  been  a  very  passionate  regard- 
less character,  who  with  her  husband  and  family  spent  the  Sab- 
bath day  in  drinking,  and  other  tainted  enormities;  two  pious 
women,  unknown  to  each  other,  had  called  upon  her,  telling 
her  that  they  could  get  no  rest  till  they  came  to  warn  her  of  her 
sin  and  danger.  The  poor  woman  thought  with  herself,  if  these 
two  are  so  concerned  about  me  that  mey  cannot  get  rest,  what 
should  be  my  concernment  about  myself?  She  attended  a 
prayer  meeting,  came  home  at  midnight,  and  roused  her  family 
to  tell  them  of  her  change  of  mind.  There  seems  a  very  re- 
markable work  of  grace  with  the  husband,  and  other  branches 
of  the  family. 

A.  B.,  collier,  aged  fifty,  a  month  ago,  w^asupon  the  road  side 
on  the  way  from  the  church  in  great  agony  of  mind  when  I 
passed  homewards.  I  at  first  thought  he  had  been  in  drink:  but 
it  turned  out  that  he  had  Hannah-like  been  pouring  out  his 
heart  before  the  Lord,  having  got  a  sight  of  his  sinfulness;  he 
went  to  his  bible  and  prayed  ;  got  heartening,  as  he  expressed 
it,  from  the  thought  that  had  come  to  him, '  Shall  I  be  a  cast- 
away?' Enabled  to  lay  hold  on  Christ  as  the  Ransomer,  and  as 
having  paid  the  debt,  he  said,  "Come  life,  come  death,  I  will 
depend  on  his  merits  and  mercies:"  resolving  to  be  with  Christ 
henceforward.  On  receiving  his  token,  he  said,  "  I  used  to  run 
from  you,  but  am  now  happy  to  meet.  I  served  Satan  fifty  years: 
I  am  now  the  Lord's."  His  two  companions,  J.  S  and  T.  A.,  gave 
very  satisfactory  accounts  of  their  change  of  heart,  and  are  also 
communicants.  The  accounts  of  other  cases  more  detached  and 
interesting  must  be  deferred. 

I  add  a  very  few  words  in  the  way  of  inference. 

Lst.  Prayer  united,  as  well  as  secret,  for  the  bestowal  of  the 


204 


REVIVALS    OF    RELIGION. 


Spirit's  influence,  is  most  important,  and  will  sooner  or  latter  be 
heard. 

2d.  Extra  means  should  be  used  to  bring  those  without  the 
pale  of  any  church  to  hear  the  Gospel.  The  preaching  the  for- 
mer summer  in  the  church-yard  once  and  again,  and  the  late 
frequent  addresses  in  the  market  and  field,  have  most  certainly 
brought  the  word  near  to  many  who  might  have  remained  to 
their  dying  day  without  hearing  it.  Assuredly  these  means 
must  be  used,  otherwise  our  newly  provided  churches  will  re- 
main unoccupied,  and  in  a  great  decree  useless. 

3d.  There  is  a  close  connection  betwixt  Missionary  work  and 
revivals.  Our  newly  organized  Missionary  Society,  in  January 
this  year,  has  been  marked  by  several  people  as  an  era.  No 
church  can  be  in  a  lively  state  when  nothing  is  done  for  the 
heathen. 

4th.  The  social  nature  of  man  is  an  important  element  in  his 
constitution,  and  exerts  a  powerful  influence  on  the  state  of  the 
church  and  of  the  world.  There  are  those  who  view  the  weav- 
ers' shops  as  objects  of  unmingled  aversion,  as  hotbeds  of  an- 
archy; but  when  a  good  influence  is  made  to  bear  upon  the 
minds  of  the  operatives,  the  facilities  for^oorf  are  proportional  to 
those  for  evil — the  reviving  interest  spreads  much  quicker  than 
in  a  rural  district.  Let  every  minister  of  the  Gospel,  and  every 
Christian  patriot  keep  this  steadily  in  view,  and  ply  the  work- 
shops with  every  good  aad  generous  influence.  jNever  let  us 
cease  in  good  times  and  bad,  to  essay  to  do  good,  in  the  morning 
sowing  seed,  and  in  the  evening  wilholding  not  our  hand  :  thus 
are  we  to  sow  beside  all  waters.    God  give  the  increase ! 

W.  B. 

Kilsyth,  30^A  September,  1839. 


THE    END. 


DATE  DUE 


